Cuba Raw : Film Documents A Photographer’s Love Affair With Cuba

As the relations between the United States and Cuba thaw at a swift pace, American photographers are chomping at the bit to document the island nation famous for its people and culture.

Photographer Robert Whitman has been documenting the Cuban culture through his lens for years, and his unique take on the people and scenes showcases a culture brimming with pride.

In part one of a mini-documentary series, film director Oriel Pe’er highlights Whitman’s love affair with Cuba by showing quiet scenes of the photographer looking back through his old negatives and prints while he reflects on the memories that they hold.

Being in Cuba makes me feel alive. I love everywhere I go, but Cuba has always been very special to me. I fell in love with the people and the culture. I think this is why I love Cuba so much…it is so real.

With the massive influx of American Tourism already starting, Whitman talks about an upcoming return trip to the island he loves.

I am a little anxious. I know it’s been changing a lot, so I really don’t know what to expect. But I am excited.

And we as viewers are excited too, as we will be lucky enough to see Whitman’s intriguing photographs as he continues to document the lives and culture of the people living in a quickly changing nation.

See more of Whitman’s Cuba photographs on his website and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.