The Ones Who Stay

This film offers a deeply human perspective on the largest migration crisis in Cuba’s history. Rather than documenting the mass exodus itself, it takes a different approach from traditional narratives, immersing viewers in the intimate everyday lives of four local young artists who have chosen to remain on the island. Art becomes the lens through which this migration crisis unfolds. The film paints a heartbreaking portrait of those left behind, confronted with the ongoing grief of watching their friends, colleagues, and family members leave the country. Through the filmmakers’ lens, artistic expression becomes a powerful tool for resilience, a means of psychological survival, and a form of resistance. Combining journalistic rigour with a refined visual aesthetic, the documentary stands out for its intimate approach, transforming a complex geopolitical issue into an accessible and deeply universal human experience.

Émilie Poirier
Head of Programming Office
Festival du nouveau cinéma