The renowned Mexican YouTuber, Luisito Comunica, who boasts a massive following in the Spanish-speaking world, recently sat down with host Enrique Santos to discuss his eye-opening trip to Cuba in April and his experiences while filming the documentary "This Is Cuba."
During their conversation, Luisito candidly shared what struck him most as he explored the island. "What genuinely shocked me, and this is my personal take, was seeing how many people in Cuba staunchly support the entire government system and their way of life. Truly, there are many who defend it," he remarked.
He noted that this support seemed more prevalent among older generations. "I feel that perhaps among the younger population, who have more access to social media, opinions differ. But when you talk to those over 30, they defend it. That surprised me a bit. From the outside, we have a different perception," Luisito explained.
Despite his observations, Luisito acknowledged the island's charm, saying, "In many ways, it's a beautiful, warm, and welcoming country, yet in others, it can be quite frightening." He attributed this fear to "the consequences of a doctrine that's been in place for far too long."
The documentary "This Is Cuba" sparked intense debate on social media by portraying a raw image of the country, highlighting power outages, connectivity issues, low wages, shortages in stores, and fuel rationing. Luisito Comunica aimed to present an unvarnished view of life on the island, exposing both its warmth and its stark contrasts.
The first episode of "This Is Cuba," released on Luisito Comunica's YouTube channel in late April, has garnered nearly 30 million views. The documentary series has generated significant international attention by shedding light on the everyday struggles of Cubans amid shortages, blackouts, and the country's overall decline. Luisito emphasized that despite the trip's limitations, he sought to document what he saw and felt as accurately as possible.
The interview with Enrique Santos also sparked hundreds of comments on YouTube, with mixed reactions. Some viewers questioned the authenticity of Luisito's interactions on the island, suggesting that he may have been surrounded by people selected by authorities. Others challenged his claim that a significant portion of the population supports the regime, arguing that fear of repercussions affects what many dare to express on camera. However, there were those who appreciated his attempt to share his perspective, highlighting his respectful and measured tone. The ongoing debate underscores the sensitivity and complexity of discussing Cuba's reality.
Exploring the Impact of "This Is Cuba"
What surprised Luisito Comunica during his visit to Cuba?
Luisito Comunica was surprised by the strong support many Cubans have for the government system, particularly among older generations.
How did Luisito Comunica describe Cuba?
He described Cuba as both beautiful and frightening, acknowledging its warmth and hospitality, but also the fear stemming from a long-standing doctrine.
What topics did the documentary "This Is Cuba" cover?
The documentary addressed issues such as power outages, connectivity problems, low wages, shortages in stores, and fuel rationing.