An intimate portrayal of a Cuban family enduring the swamps, scarcity, and solitude in the Zapata Swamp has captured one of the most prestigious stages in Ibero-American cinema.
"Westward in Zapata," the debut feature by Cuban-Spanish filmmaker David Bim, received the Best Feature Film award in the Albar Competition at the 63rd edition of the Gijón/Xixón International Film Festival in Spain, as reported by EFE.
The film follows Landi and Mercedes, a couple rooted in one of the most inhospitable areas of the Cuban archipelago. Amid a pandemic, with the country beset by shortages and social unrest, the family clings to a landscape where survival is a testament to physical exertion, intuition, and silence.
Within the vast Caribbean swamp ecosystem of the Zapata Swamp, Landi ventures into the wetlands to catch crocodiles with his bare hands—a practice as extreme as it is ancient to secure food.
Meanwhile, Mercedes gathers charcoal by the coast and tends to their son, who has severe autism. The film reconstructs those days of confinement, uncertainty, and perseverance in an environment where life hinges on what can be found in the water or the earth.
The festival audience was deeply moved by the documentary's human depth, which also earned a Special Jury Mention in the Spanish Cinema section, establishing Bim as a rising voice in contemporary documentary filmmaking.
The film had previously garnered international acclaim, including a Special Jury Mention and the FIPRESCI Prize at Visions du Réel, one of the world's most esteemed documentary film festivals.
A Diverse and Talented Festival
The Gijón Festival once again stood out for its diverse programming. EFE noted that besides the victory of "Westward in Zapata," Argentine filmmakers Basovih Marinaro and Sofía Jallinsky were honored in the FICX Premiere section for their film "Los bobos." Spanish director Ángel Santos received the Best Director award for "Así chegou a noite."
In acting, the jury recognized Romanian actress Eszter Tompa for "Kontinental 25" and British actor Ben Whishaw for "Peter Hujar’s Day."
The 63rd edition also celebrated works from Belgium, France, the United States, Chile, and various regions of Spain, reflecting the festival's hallmark of diversity.
A Cuban Story Crossing Borders
The triumph of "Westward in Zapata" not only applauds David Bim's talent but also highlights a rarely filmed, often invisible side of Cuba, where countless families endure isolation and hardship.
The story of Landi, Mercedes, and their son, surviving amid crocodiles, charcoal, and swamps, found international recognition in Gijón, shedding light on a reality seldom seen on screen.
A victory for cinema, but also a window into the harsh, silent lives of those struggling to stay afloat in the island's most forgotten corners.
Key Insights into "Westward in Zapata"
What is the main theme of "Westward in Zapata"?
The documentary focuses on the survival and resilience of a Cuban family living in the isolated and challenging environment of the Zapata Swamp, highlighting their daily struggles and perseverance.
Who directed "Westward in Zapata"?
The film was directed by David Bim, a Cuban-Spanish filmmaker making his debut with this feature.
What recognition did the film receive at the Gijón Film Festival?
"Westward in Zapata" won the Best Feature Film award in the Albar Competition and received a Special Jury Mention in the Spanish Cinema section.
How does the film depict the family's survival strategies?
The film portrays Landi's crocodile hunting and Mercedes's charcoal gathering as crucial survival strategies, illustrating their reliance on natural resources for sustenance.