Cuba in the Valley Film Series Moves to Luthier’s Co-op in Easthampton
[Easthampton, Mass] – As the July 26th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution approaches, a small group of movie buffs announce that as they go into their second year of free monthly films from and about Cuba, they are moving the screenings to Luthier’s Co-op, 108 Cottage Street, Easthampton the first Monday of each month beginning with August 3, 2026 at 7 pm. The series is sponsored by Massachusetts Peace Action and the Hispanic-American Library of Springfield, Mass.
Following each film, drawing on their extensive experience in Cuba, organizers Merri Ansara and Michael McCarthy lead a discussion of the film and share relevant news and actions to take. Cuba has been laboring under a total fuel embargo for the last seven months, creating incredible hardships with long blackouts, surgery and medical delays and transportation problems. President Trump has threatened to bomb or attack the island.
So why Cuban movies? What’s so special? Why this approach to getting to know the island, its history, culture and near 70 year old socialist revolution?
Merri Ansara: Cuba has an iconic place in our ideas and memories. As someone who has traveled back and forth to Cuba for 50 years and for 20 years ran an organization that arranged travel for others to Cuba, I enjoy sharing what I know and love about Cuba with people. Films are a great way to do it.
Michael McCarthy: Cuba shows us how another world is possible. How does an island nation of 10 million people provide free health care and education to all? Accomplish one of the most successful literacy projects in human history? It is a place worth exploring beyond the headlines and film is a great way to do that.
Doris Madsen: I started attending the films because I’ve wanted to learn more about Cuba. The films have helped bring different people in the community together. Then as a former librarian, I came to think I could help with the organizing and the selection of films.
The August 3rd film, “Death of a Bureaucrat,” is a 1961 farce about the dangers and pitfalls of socialist bureaucracies. Doors open at Luthier’s at 6:45. All films are in Spanish with English subtitles. Luthier’s bar will serve cocktails, beer and snacks. The public is welcome to bring in outside food.
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