We, graduates of the International School of Film and Television of San Antonio de los Baños, and the Higher Institute of Art, address the People of Cuba to express our rejection of anti-democratic practices and calls for violence promoted by the Cuban government against creators and members of civil society.
Following the events of November 27, when hundreds of artists and intellectuals went to the Ministry of Culture to protest the arrest and eviction of several independent artists and peaceful activists, an agreement was reached between officials of that ministry and the protesters to establish a channel of open and transparent dialogue, a dialogue that was later blown up by the institution itself when it accused, without evidence, members of the group as "mercenaries" with whom, it said, it would not meet. A fierce campaign of harassment, defamation, surveillance and arbitrary arrests has been promoted against them.
We are not oblivious to the sad reality of the country. The vast majority of the Cuban people wake up waiting in long queues to buy expensive basic necessities that are becoming increasingly scarce. The Cuban government hides behind the blockade of the United States to justify the lack of products and food. It also relies on the existence of that external enemy to commit repressive acts against anyone who exercises their right to freedom of expression or association. It is that same government, administrator of remittances, that prevents Cubans abroad from participating in the public life of the nation. The same government that promises to end the dual currency and then opens stores in dollars, euros or pounds sterling. The same government that anticipates a drastic devaluation of the Cuban peso and a looting of savings in national currency. A government that claims to defend the interests of the people and that, based on promises, only seems to have one thing left: continuity. Thus he insistently repeats: "We are continuity."
We denounce the acts of repudiation promoted by the institutions of the Cuban state. We reject discrediting and defamation campaigns against independent artists, activists and journalists who peacefully work and create for a more inclusive, more democratic country.We call upon the Cuban people NOT to participate in violent acts, to disassociate themselves from the denigrating acts of repudiation orchestrated by the state. All human beings, whatever they think, whatever they say, have the right to live in peace, without being harassed, beaten, imprisoned, thrown out of their jobs or forced into exile.
We believe that the events of November 27 mark a point of no return and mark a new direction in the world of culture and the entire Cuban nation. We understand that art is free, that all people are born free and equal, that citizens are not subjects of any party or ideology.
Cubanx, we speak to you: Use your cell phone and document your reality. Let no repressive act remain in the shadows. Making injustice visible is in your hands.
Our greatest hope is in a plural and democratic Cuba. In a Cuba alive as a nation.