Cinematecas of Venezuela and Cuba sign historic cooperation agreement

Published at: 10/12/2025 09:57 AM

Within the framework of the Latin American Film Market (MECLA), Isla Abierta, movie theaters in Venezuela and Cuba formalized a significant collaboration agreement.

The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), was attended by Vladimir Sosa Sarabia, president of the National Cinematheque of Venezuela; Luciano Castillo Rodríguez, director of the Cinemateca de Cuba; and Mercy Ruiz Saeb, director of Ediciones ICAIC.

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Audiovisual Culture of Venezuela, Sergio Arria, and the President of the ICAIC, Alexis Triana Hernández.

It should be noted that the agreements focus on cultural exchange, technical specialization and editorial promotion of classic and contemporary cinema in both countries. Here are the key points:

• Annual Exchange of Classic Samples: An annual exchange of classic film samples will be established. Caracas will program classic Cuban cinema, complemented by an exhibition of Cuban film posters, while Havana will host a classic Venezuelan film festival, ideally in May, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the National Cinematheque of Venezuela.
• Exchange of Conservation Specialists: The exchange of specialists in the conservation and restoration of the priceless film collection treasured by both institutions will be encouraged.
• Editorial Promotion: The participation of publications from Ediciones ICAIC will be coordinated for presentation and sale at the Caracas International Book Fair.
• Joint Editions: Institutions will evaluate their editorial plans to make joint editions of specialized film bibliography, in accordance with the interests of both Cinematecas.
• Regional Dialogue: The formation of a dialogue group between similar institutions in the region will be considered to address issues of common interest in the industry.

This initiative, implemented during the prestigious Havana Festival, ratifies the commitment of Venezuela and Cuba to cultural sovereignty, using cinema as an articulating axis for regional understanding and collaboration.

MINCULTURE/ Mazo News Team