Mambo Man Plus Live Music and Q&A with Director

This screening will be followed by a live in-person Q&A with Director Mo Fini plus live music from David Alvarez and Rolando Luna.

Based on a true story: In 2017, after more than half a century since Castro’s revolution, Cuba opens her arms to the West and the Yankee dollar.

Born into communism, JC is a ‘big fish in a small pond’ – a local music producer and promoter, farmer and small-time hustler who lives by his wits and imagination. To support his family and small circle of ‘business associates’ and maintain his local “Godfather” status, JC lives beyond his means – a fact that creates strains in his marriage to Rita.

When his crops are threatened by late rains JC has to juggle the demands of organising music concerts while also sourcing pig feed, fixing water pumps and entertaining a group of visiting British music tourists.

Along the way there is betrayal and heartbreak but behind JC’s wisecracking persona is a considerate man. He is not greedy – he just wants to provide for friends and family and escape the precarious, hand-to-mouth existence that threatens to derail his life at any moment.

An unexpected phone call offers the chance to make a fortune and change his life forever. This triggers a frantic search for cash and a mysterious rendezvous that leads to a nerve-racking finale.

6:30pm Mo Fini introduces Musicians - David Alvarez and Rolando Luna
6:50pm Film starts
8:10pm Q&A with Director Mo Fini, hosted by Philip Sweeney of Songlines
8:40pm Event finish