A Cinematic Calling Card: Preludio 11 and Cuban-gdr Cultural Dialogue

Abstract

Preludio 11 is a little discussed Cuban-gdr co-production from the early 1960s that was part of a glut of cinematic collaborations between Cuba and predominantly socialist European partners as a means of skills exchange and relationship-building. However, the film and the fact of the organization of the collaboration can offer valuable insight into the dynamics within the international socialist camp and both Cuba and the gdr’s focus on national projection on the international stage. Through examination of the communication between collaborators – principally between the Cuban and East German cinematic institutes and internal gdr communication – on the film, this article sheds light on the political and symbolic value of Cuba to the gdr and vice versa. It also shows how those relations were in constant flux as the project developed and the two countries battled with their commitment to cultural expression and development and shifting political priorities.