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Strawberry and Chocolate (Fresa y chocolate) + Introduction by curator Alex Davidson (18*)

Contemporary 75

,Cinema 2
Two men stand on a balcony in the middle of a city, speaking to one another.

A young communist student spies on a flamboyant gay artist in this much-loved, Oscar-nominated modern classic from Cuba.

Initially appearing to be a sweet gay romcom, this film quickly develops into something far more provocative.

Havana, 1979. Flamboyant artist Diego (Jorge Perugorría) tries to pick up lovelorn straight student David (Vladimir Cruz) at an ice cream parlour. David isn’t interested in romance, but is simultaneously repelled and fascinated by Diego’s love of forbidden art. Egged on by his friend he decides to spy on him, fearing he may be subverting the communist cause.

This sharp, irresistible comedy, spiced with a love of camp that breathes like Pedro Almodóvar, is surprisingly critical of the Castro regime and sympathetic to its gay protagonist. To date it is the only Cuban film to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, and has reached a semi-legendary status in Cuba – tourists still seek out its locations today. 

Tagged with: Cinema Magic Mondays

Contemporary 75 is a festival bringing together bold cinema that inspired generations of British audiences and filmmakers — a festival of screenings with special guests across London this September and October.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar. 

Film information
  • Release year   1993
  • Country of origin   Cuba
  • Director   Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Juan Carlos Tabío
  • Runtime   1hr 48mins

Cinema 2

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.