Havana Glasgow Film Festival Marks 10 Years of Cultural Exchange

The Havana Glasgow Film Festival (HGFF) returns for its milestone 10th edition this year, running from November 11 to 16 in Glasgow. Founded in 2015 by Eirene Houston (Glasgow) and Hugo Rivalta (Havana), the festival celebrates the longstanding connection between the two twinned cities through a shared love of cinema, music, and politics.

Over the past decade, the festival has established itself as a key platform for showcasing Cuban culture in the UK, with a dynamic programme of film screenings, discussions, workshops, and special events.

This year’s anniversary edition will spotlight the work of celebrated Cuban filmmaker Santiago Álvarez, including his powerful documentaries on the Vietnam War. The program also features a documentary exploring the intergenerational struggle of queer activists, alongside films that highlight Cuba’s legacy of solidarity, creativity, and compassion.

Classic films by iconic Cuban director Tomás Gutiérrez Alea will also be featured. Mirta Ibarra, Gutiérrez Alea’s widow and star of several of his films, will be in attendance to present select screenings.

Speaking about the festival’s 10th anniversary, co-founder Hugo Rivalta said, “Imagine, I’m very happy. We will be celebrating ten years of this beautiful project, ten years of bringing a lot of the best Cuban cinema to Glasgow. With a small budget each year, Eirene has managed to bring three or four major figures of Cuban cinema each time. Their visits to Glasgow and their participation in our festival are remembered with great affection.”

Reflecting on a decade of cultural exchange, co-founder Ms. Houston shared her thoughts on the festival’s journey and mission: “When Hugo and I launched Havana Glasgow Film Festival in 2015, we thought it was a great idea, what better way to bring our twin cities together. We were film makers, this was our world, how hard could it be. It wasn’t until somebody said, a film festival, ‘you’re brave!’ that I began to realise there might be a bit more too it than I thought! And there was! But thanks to our funders, our team, and everyone here we are celebrating our 10th Anniversary!”

She added that this year’s program places a special focus on themes of solidarity and kindness: “This years program is pretty special, with a focus on Solidarity and Kindness which is at the heart of our Festival and something we need more than ever right now.”

Ms. Houston also emphasized the influence of Cuba’s history of international support, noting: “Cuba’s international solidarity – from training doctors to countering apartheid from South Africa to Palestine – inspires us to share what we have, not what we have left over, and draw strength from community. We are so proud of the spirit of our festival: everyone is welcome, and together we celebrate the joy and power of film and culture.”

Reflecting on the personal impact of the festival, she concluded: “When I look back, and reflect on what we’ve acheived, all the films we’ve shown, guests we’ve welcomed, moments we’ve shared we’re of course proud to have brought so much, to so many people. But what I have gained from all the friendships and families we’ve created is something that I cannot begin to measure.

My motto may not be the smartest, ‘leap before you look’, but oh my, it’s been so worth it.”

The full program is expected to be announced shortly on the festival’s website.