Retour à Ithaque

They once experienced a lot together, now they're getting on in years. Writer Amadeo fled Cuba sixteen years ago, leaving behind his wife, who was suffering from cancer at the time. They all, in fact, had to struggle with the island's cultural bureaucracy over the years, and they all now have secrets to share, which gradually come to light in the course of the evening, as they dance, drink rum and try to make sense of the past. French director Laurent Cantent's works are often characterised by a documentary-like feel and this is no exception, the dialogues in particular striking the viewer as natural and instinctive.

RETOUR À ITHAQUE is an outstanding ensemble film on the grand delusions and profound losses of a generation, with the script written by Cuban author Leonardo Padura. In its year of release the film was pulled from the Havana Film Festival at short notice, and without official reason, leading to protests by Cuban filmmakers. WMH