Film Screening: Cuba - An African Odyssey

cork | arts and media | event notice Monday May 17, 2010 18:18 by Eric - WSM Solidarity Books, 43 Douglas Street, Opposite Fionn Barras, Cork City

This revealing, award-winning documentary adds to our understanding of the Cold War through its least-known context, Africa.

From 1961 to 1991, the Dark Continent was a battleground for four different competing interests. The Soviet Union wanted to extend its influence into a new continent; the U.S. lusted after Africa s natural resources; former European empires felt their grip on the area weaken; and, newly formed African nations fought to defend their recently won independence. When the latter called on Cuban guerillas to aid them in their struggle, Castro and Cuba stepped in to build a new offensive strategy, which would have long-lasting influence on developing countries in their battles against colonialism.

From Che Guevara s efforts in the Congo to the triumphant battle at Cuito Cuanavale, CUBA: AN AFRICAN ODYSSEY tells the story of those internationalists who won their battles but ultimately lost the war.