“There are touches of irony, humor, magical realism, and whimsy, and the film is beautifully directed, acted, and scored. The insight into myriad aspects of Cuban culture –for example, political, agricultural, and pop culture– is enchanting and enriching.” – Caron Knauer, LaGuardia Community College, EMRO
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 NATURAL PHENOMENA / MARCOS DÍAZ SOSA / CUBA / 80 MIN
In this wildly original tropical reinterpretation of The Wizard of Oz, a pregnant nurse turns to her skills as a sharpshooter to escape Cuba’s harsh reality. While the iconic red shoes make an appearance, everything else is unexpected.
Exploring the rarely discussed topic of the exile of entire populations due to land exploitation, Natural Phenomena intertwines the protagonist’s struggle with broader social transformations in Cuba.
Related studies: Cinema Studies, Culture + Identity, Family, Global Economy, International Politics, Modern History, Sociology, Women
HOST A SCREEN+TALK – DSL LICENSES
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“I wanted to explore how the official narrative has seeped into the Cuban imagination, shaping and confusing our desires and goals. While the system promotes the dream of a communist utopia, we secretly yearn for the American dream. This irony led me to merge the epic tone of Cuban nationalism with the American patriotic myth of The Wizard of Oz.” – Marcos Díaz Sosa, Director
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Three reasons to host
a Screen+Talk with the director!
1. After the smash hit Wicked, it’s clear that The Wizard of Oz is enjoying a major revival. Natural Phenomena lets you ride that wave of renewed interest, and while the iconic red shoes make a cameo, everything else is reimagined in bold, surprising, and delightful ways.
2. Winner of the “Best First Feature” award at both the Guadalajara and the Havana International Film Festivals, Natural Phenomena marks newcomer Marcos Díaz Sosa as a talent to watch and signals a new moment for Cuban fantastic cinema.
3. Hosting director Marcos Díaz Sosa after the film’s screening will spark interest and in-depth conversations about the tension between the official narrative that has shaped the Cuban imagination and the harsh realities of contemporary life.
HOST A SCREEN+TALK – DSL LICENSES
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