Two Cuban animated short films are set to participate in the official lineup of the Americas Film Festival of New York (Taffny), as announced by the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC) on Friday.
The selected works, Raptus and La Niña y el Mar, were both proposed by the institution itself, reported the state-run agency Prensa Latina.
Alexis Triana, the president of ICAIC, extended his congratulations to the creative teams behind these films on social media.
Directed by Ivette Ávila, Raptus is a stop-motion animated documentary crafted with clay, depicting the real-life account of a woman subjected to domestic violence. This piece is part of the larger Linterna Violeta project, which focuses on issues related to gender violence and social prevention.
The short has earned notable accolades, including the Coral Animation Award at the 46th International Festival of New Latin American Cinema in Havana, held in December 2024, and recognition from the cultural critics of the Circle of Culture of the Union of Journalists of Cuba.
The second film, La Niña y el Mar, marks the debut of young filmmaker Ray Ortega. This three-minute black-and-white short centers on a conversation between a father and his daughter about an unusual pet, with the sea playing a significant role in the narrative.
This work won the Grand Caracol 2025 Award in Animation, presented by the Association of Cinema, Radio, and Television of UNEAC, and also received a special mention at the International Poor Film Festival of Gibara.
Both shorts share part of their technical team: Kadier Fuentes was responsible for the screenplay and production for both projects, and Aramis Acosta served as the executive producer in both cases.
The Taffny, organized by the City College of New York (CUNY), is a festival dedicated to showcasing the cultural diversity of the Americas, bringing together stories, languages, and voices from North and Latin America in categories such as fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental cinema.
The 2026 edition will take place from September 30 to October 9 in New York City.
This Cuban participation comes at a time when ICAIC is striving to maintain its international presence despite the severe crisis plaguing the island. In August, the institution received solar panels donated by Germany to safeguard its facilities from the frequent power outages affecting the country.
Cuban animated cinema, with a rich tradition under ICAIC since the 1960s, continues to make its mark. In July, the first Cuban animated feature film was restored in Colombia in an effort to preserve this cinematic heritage.
FAQs About Cuban Animation at Taffny
What is the significance of Raptus in Cuban animation?
Raptus is a significant piece in Cuban animation as it addresses critical issues of gender violence through its unique stop-motion style, contributing to social awareness and prevention.
Who are the key figures behind these Cuban films?
Ivette Ávila and Ray Ortega are the directors of Raptus and La Niña y el Mar, respectively. Kadier Fuentes and Aramis Acosta played significant roles in the production of both films.
How does the ICAIC maintain its presence internationally?
Despite facing a severe crisis, the ICAIC continues to engage in international festivals and collaborations, receiving support such as solar panels from Germany to mitigate local challenges.