Filmmaker Ernesto Fundora Shares Prison Calls with Activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara: "A Natural Leader"

Cuban filmmaker Ernesto Fundora recently disclosed that he has engaged in three phone conversations with Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara from Guanajay's maximum-security prison over the past ten days. The activist is reportedly keenly observing the ongoing negotiations concerning his potential release.

"Let me give you a scoop: I've had three phone calls in these last 10 days with Luis Manuel. He's called me from prison, and we've talked. The first call lasted about half an hour, the second around 20 minutes, and the third was also about half an hour," Fundora shared in an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba.

Fundora described Otero Alcántara, the artist and leader of the San Isidro Movement, as "euphoric," "extremely happy," and possessing "a great deal of calmness" regarding the current situation.

"He's very much aware of what's happening, and he's shared his core concerns about the negotiations, which essentially focus on a people's perspective," added Fundora.

Otero Alcántara has been incarcerated in Guanajay since July 11, 2021, following his arrest during the mass protests on July 11th. He received a five-year sentence for "insulting national symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder."

In February, Fundora released a biographical documentary about Otero Alcántara, titled 'Estamos conectados.' The film highlights the activist's role as a unifying figure among the Cuban exile community in Miami.

"Among everyone I know, he's the one with the greatest compassion, empathy, inclination for consensus and unity. He's the least belligerent, least violent, most spiritual, most familial, the most community-oriented individual who has worked closely with people in the neighborhood, demonstrating extraordinary human empathy," Fundora stated.

He contrasted Otero Alcántara with professional exiled politicians, whom he criticized harshly: "Luis Manuel is a natural, genuine leader, developed within the organic genealogy of Cuba's profound social reality."

"He has nothing in common with those representing us in exile who move from one elegant venue to another, dressed in Gucci and Chanel, which I find appalling," the filmmaker added.

Fundora noted that the documentary has brought together representatives from the five historical exile communities in Miami, ranging from the 1950s and 1960s bourgeoisie to the younger generations who arrived post-Obama era and during the pandemic. He attributes this convergence to Cuba's current political climate.

"Luis Manuel is a man grounded in reality, immersed in the struggles with the people, and who understands the Cuban situation deeply. That's something no one else can match," Fundora concluded.

The phone calls occur amidst heightened tension: in March 2026, State Security agents threatened Otero and other inmates with death during a cell inspection. Additionally, the Supreme People's Court confirmed in April that his sentence extends until July 9, 2026.

Fundora also revealed that Otero expressed his intent to travel directly to Miami upon release, emphasizing that this is not just a personal wish: "It seems that this is what he has discussed with the authorities because he tells me emphatically, and besides being his wish, it's both things. It's a pact."