New Cuban Film "VIVA" Premieres in South Florida

Coming off its fresh success as the darling of the 2015 Telluride Film Festival, the film "VIVA", produced and directed by a Cuban team and aided by an Irish production company, tells a fresh story about what it's like to live in the LGBT community in Havana, and the universal story of acceptance and love knowing no bounds -- especially when one feels like they have hit "rock bottom."

Jesus is the protagonist in "VIVA," played by H�ctor Medina. He is a young hairdresser whose mother has died and his father left the family at a young age, meaning Jesus had to struggle to survive. Jesus styles wigs for a well-known transsexual performer, Mama (Luis Alberto Garc�a), who looks after him like Jesus is one of her own children. When Jesus decides to pursue drag, under the name of "Viva," Mama gives him a chance, only for that chance to go sour when he flops his first time out. On his second attempt, he unknowingly flirts with a man as part of his routine, only to find out it is his alcoholic father (Jorge Perugorr�a), who has returned to (haphazardly) make amends.

Originally Jesus resents his father's presence, but he learns that there is an important reason for his return to Havana... he is close to death due to alcohol abuse. Will Jesus accept his father for who he is even though time is running out? Will Jesus's father love him for who he is too? All of these questions will indeed be answered...but you have to watch the film to find out more!

I had a chance to sit down and talk to H�ctor Medina, the star of "VIVA," for a special exclusive Hotspots interview.

Considering you are straight in real life, what drew you to this role and made you want to pursue it?

I think what really captured my interest was the complexity of the character of Jesus. I was also influenced by discussions I had with Tony Alonso, one of the most famous drag queens in all of Cuba.

Had you known a lot about the LGBT community before this movie?

Well, I'm an actor, and being an actor I belong to one of the most prestigious theatrical groups in all of Cuba. Of course, being surrounded by actors, it is normal to make friends with people who are in the LGBT community and people who personify diversity -- gays, bisexuals, transgender people, reds, greens, yellows and whites! So I knew about them and I did know their stories.

Which themes and motifs are most important to notice in this film as the characters interact with one another?

There are so many different subjects that are important. First, there's the gay aspect of the film. Then there's the social reality of how the young people live in Havana -- especially the young men who have to do what they have to do to survive. Then of course there is love and I think that's the main theme. It's universal and it goes beyond any kind of political differences between Cuba and the United States.

In your opinion, why did Jesus's father act the way he did? What made him give up on life?

People normally are the result of their surroundings and circumstances. Jesus's father was in jail and he used to be a boxer. Both of those facts define who he is. My personal take on these two characters is that the father belongs to the older generation. Jesus is part of the new generation...both of the generations have to come together, and in doing so, they end up making amends.

What would you say to people to ensure that they buy a ticket and see your film?

"VIVA" is a movie that everyone will enjoy watching, and I think people will have their own personal transformation as a result of seeing it. The story is universal and can be told anywhere, whether it's Cuba or in the U.S. or somewhere else. The main subject is love.

For more information on "VIVA", visit magpictures.com/viva. "Like" the movie page on Facebook at facebook.com/vivathefilm