In the first week of December, the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema ( International Festival of New Latin American Cinema ) opens in Havana, which lasts 10 days.
The festival has been held since 1979 under the auspices of the Cuban Institute of Arts and Cinematography and is considered the most important film festival of the entire Hispanic world. The aforementioned Institute also sponsors the award of the « Coral » Award, an analogue of « Oscar » in Latin American cinema.
Films shot in Latin America, by a Latin American director, or containing Latin American themes can participate in the festival.
Within the framework of the festival, contests of feature, documentary and animated films are held. Meetings and seminars are also organized on various topics of cultural and cinematic interest. In addition, the festival program provides for demonstration screenings of foreign films not participating in the competition.
Cuban leader Fidel Castro was a big movie lover. As Lenin once, Castro believed that « Cinema is the best of all the arts ».
During the festival, films are shown almost around the clock in more than 20 Havana cinemas. A ticket is very cheap, so anyone can visit their favorite series. Hotel Nacional — center of public events and shows during the festival.