In 1961 Fidel Castro and Che Guevara commissioned three young architects to build Cuba’s National Arts School on the grounds of a country club in Havana. In the minds of its creators, it was to be the most modern and innovative academy of its kind. “Unfinished Spaces” an incredible documentary about a spectacular but unfinished architectural project that reflects both the errors and potential of the Cuban revolution of the past 60 years.
Starting in 1959, a world changing revolution was taking place in Cuba. The overthrowing of dictator Fulgencio Batista ( A good friend of the US administration at the time) changed all perspectives. Everything was put into question and challenged. In a particularly interesting bit Cuba’s National Arts School was commissioned by Fidel Castro and Che Guevera while playing a mocking game of golf at a place where only the rich had access to. At that point they decided that the space would be better used for art.. Fidel wanted everything in Cuba reach new heights. The task was handed over to 3 architects of very different perspectives. All eager to help they set about creating something unique. Heartbreakingly this came to an almost abrupt halt due to a series of circumstances including Bay of pigs invasion, CIA backed sabotage but also the bureaucratization of the process which led to a series of abuses that helped zap in part the creative energies unleashed by the revolution (the one Italian architect was falsely charged with espionage.) We should keep in mind that in spite of the many errors listed here Cuban art is still a force to be reckoned with.
You may think the story ends there however, the film also showcases the international effort to restore it. The school by the early 90’s had become a near ruin but was still standing. After a courageous Cuban artist brings up the horrendous state of decay of the school directly in front of Fidel Castro, he bristles at being misinformed by bureaucrats about the school and in a priceless bit of video showcases some of his charismatic personality in calling for a full on restoration. The three old colleagues reunite thanks to this passionate to rebuild the school.
This beautifully filmed doc leaves one with a question mark as to the future of the school but it is a film about more than just beautiful architecture and art. Unfinished Spaces is an moving example of a larger truth, the potential of revolution, the errors that can kill it and also how it can grow by fixing what it has done wrong.
UNFINISHED SPACES
A film by Alysa Nahmias & Benjamin Murray
Opens in Toronto at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
Friday, July 6 – Sunday, July 8, 2012
For more information: Official Site
Trailer: