Alexis Valdés Suggests Paco León Take the Helm of Cuba: "This Film Isn't Working"

During the Miami premiere of the Spanish film "Aída y Vuelta," Cuban comedian Alexis Valdés sparked one of the evening's most talked-about moments with a politically charged jest directed at Spanish actor and director Paco León.

After praising León's talent, Valdés delivered a proposal that drew laughter and applause from the crowd:

"You are a remarkable director, truly. Tremendous director. And knowing how much you are cherished in Cuba, I have a proposition for Paco. Seeing that this film isn't working, given your directing prowess, could you perhaps direct Cuba, Paco?" he suggested.

Paco León's response was immediate and heartfelt. Without delving into politics, he emphasized the special connection between the series "Aída" and the Cuban audience:

"I wish. What's truly moving to me is that in Cuba, more than anywhere else, this series has been a balm for many of you," he affirmed.

The exchange blended humor with an implicit critique of life on the Island, setting the tone for an evening where nostalgia, laughter, and social awareness intermingled among a predominantly Cuban audience.

The Comeback of "Aída" and Its Cuban Connection

The new film "Aída y Vuelta" heralds the return of the series' universe, which captivated millions of viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Paco León, who both directs and reprises his role as Luisma, highlighted the unique bond the production shares with Cuba: "Cubans are more Aída than Spaniards," he expressed.

León has noted that he always feels moved when engaging with the Cuban audience, aware that the film would be interpreted "differently" by them.

The film includes nods to Cuba that were entirely deliberate: the music, cultural references like Los Zafiros, and the fact that Aída "returns" from the Island are all part of this homage to an audience that has kept the series alive for years.

The sentiment is shared by the rest of the cast.

Also attending the Miami event were Carmen Machi, the unforgettable Aída, who thanked Cubans for their unwavering support, and Canco Rodríguez (Barajas), who expressed a desire to one day share an event like this directly in Cuba.

Why the Film Won't Be Released in Cuba

Although "Aída y Vuelta" is already showing in theaters across Spain and other countries, Paco León was clear in explaining that it won't be officially released in Cuban cinemas.

He acknowledged having tried "in many ways," but due to political reasons, it has been very challenging.

Nonetheless, he expressed confidence that the film "will find its way" to the Cuban audience, relying on the creativity and informal networks through which Cubans have historically accessed cultural content.

The special premiere in Miami, held on February 5 at Cinépolis, confirmed that Aída remains a vibrant phenomenon, especially among Cubans in exile and on the Island, who have found solace in the comedy amidst the harshness of daily life.

Cuba at the Heart of the Conversation

And it's precisely here that Alexis Valdés' joke resonates again.

When he says "this film isn't working" and suggests Paco León direct Cuba, he's humorously pointing out a harsh truth: the country is in a critical state.

The economy is in shambles, people face chronic shortages of food and transportation, power outages last for hours, and everyday life has become an obstacle course.

None of this is by chance or unavoidable. It is the result of decades of poor governance, erratic decision-making, and a system that has proven incapable of ensuring the well-being of its own populace.

While artists and comedians use the stage to deliver truths dressed as jokes, millions in Cuba continue to bear the brunt of a failing system.

And so, behind the laughter stirred by Alexis Valdés, a clear critique lingers: the issue isn't with a film... it's with the script that has governed the country for far too long.