CUBA and the blockade
The extraordinary story of how a Caribbean island has survived 60 years of
blockade and remains standing.
Your donation makes this documentary possible
THE BLOCKADE
The economic, commercial, and financial blockade—also known as the U.S. embargo—has been imposed on Cuba since the early 1960s.
Over the decades, it has become a complex web of laws and regulations. Through strict sanctions, it restricts economic activity not only between Cuba and the United States, but also with other countries and entities. Its reach extends beyond U.S. borders, affecting companies and governments that trade with Cuba.
Because of its extraterritorial impact, many governments and international organizations have considered it illegitimate and unlawful.
Nowhere else in the world is there a country at peace where such severe shortages of basic necessities are so visible. Nor is there another nation subjected to a unilateral embargo of this scale for so long.
Its objective is clear: to weaken the economy to the point of destabilization, ultimately forcing regime change.
More than six decades later, it remains a U.S. foreign-policy failure—sustained largely by domestic political interests.
THE WORLD
A vote that repeats… and changes nothing
Every October, for the 33rd consecutive year, the UN General Assembly votes on a resolution (No. 79/7) calling for an end to the embargo against Cuba.
Overwhelming support
On average, more than 180 countries vote each year in favor of ending the embargo.
But nothing changes
Despite this broad international support, U.S. policy remains unchanged. Year after year, the power of the United States—and occasional allies—prevents that global consensus from translating into real action
The unavoidable question
So what are the United Nations for, if this repeated vote cannot lead to change?
A rejection that remains constant
In multilateral forums, the embargo has been criticized for decades. Even within the United States, institutions and lawmakers have questioned these measures—calling them immoral, outdated, counterproductive, and ineffective.
Mexico has been firm
Mexico has consistently rejected the blockade. It has voted against it, spoken out publicly, and maintained limited but continuous engagement with the island, alongside diplomatic support and humanitarian assistance.
This is not an isolated issue
Cuba policy involves continental relations, development models, and principles of sovereignty.
And the final question remains open
Why, despite international rejection, does this measure remain in place—and grow harsher year after year?
THE DOCUMENTERY PROJECT: living a blocked life
A story often mentioned… but rarely understood
For more than six decades, Cuba has lived under a policy that frequently appears in headlines, speeches, and debates—yet is rarely explained in depth: the embargo, known in Cuba as the “blockade,” imposed by the United States.
For many people, the topic can feel distant. Diplomatic. Repeated.
But its consequences are not abstract. They are lived every day.
What changes when a policy becomes routine
This project not only seeks to describe the material impact of these measures—restrictions that for decades have limited or, in some cases, cut off access to essential supplies such as medicines, fuel, technology, and financial services—but also to understand their historical, political, and human dimensions.
Because behind every resolution, every sanction, and every statistic, there is a daily life shaped by limits that are not always visible… but are always felt.
Our approach: context, facts, and a broader perspective
We will approach this topic from a broad perspective: its origins, the moments of greatest tension, attempts at rapprochement (such as the normalization process between the governments of Barack Obama and Raúl Castro in 2014–2016), the setbacks that followed, and, above all, the daily impact of these restrictions on the lives of those who live on the island.
Their effects are evident—and deeply painful.
Nuance, not slogans
The purpose is not to construct a one-sided narrative, but rather to explain how this policy—referred to as a “blockade” in Cuban discourse due to its practical scope, and as an “embargo” in U.S. legal terminology—has become a central factor in Cuba’s economic and social life.
Six decades of restrictions have shaped a complex reality in which any serious analysis must distinguish between legal definitions (embargo), operational effects (blockade), and the political interpretations that accompany each term. This distinction will be a fundamental part of the documentary.
A human story: revolution, dissent, and hope
It will inevitably be the story of a revolution, dissent, a political struggle for a peaceful resolution, and a hope that at times seems to fade—but never completely disappears.
What does this project aim to contribute?
We will produce a documentary that provides clarity, historical context, and analytical rigor. It will offer context, highlight nuance, and remain grounded in evidence and ethical responsibility.
This project is designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of a phenomenon that has shaped entire generations—and whose repercussions are still felt today.
An independent project made possible by your support
Your donation supports the independent production of this documentary, helping us complete it with rigor, transparency, and care.
Contact and confirmation: abajobloqueo@proton.me
Why does it matter?
Although few issues in contemporary geopolitics have been debated as much as the U.S. economic and commercial embargo on Cuba, over time it has become part of everyday language. It no longer surprises anyone—it is treated as a given, absorbed into the status quo.
It has become part of the political and media landscape across the continent: it is frequently mentioned, but rarely examined in depth. And when it is discussed, public debate often relies on repeated narratives, manipulated figures, or partial interpretations that fail to capture its complexity or its real consequences.
For decades, a simplified idea has been repeated: “Cuba deserves it.”
That phrase, rather than explaining, shuts down the conversation.
Our goal: to break that inertia
We want to offer a clear, accessible, and well-grounded analysis. We believe this situation carries an ethical responsibility: to document the real human impact of these policies and to open space for informed debate—especially for the new generations who will inherit this discussion.
In this work, we will bring together the history and effects of the embargo. We will explore its origins, as well as the daily life of Cubans who were born and have learned to live under these restrictions.
We will hear—from diplomats, academics, and social advocates across the political spectrum—the reasons and arguments that sustain this conflict, which far from being resolved, seems increasingly difficult to move toward a fair and equitable outcome.
The documentary’s goal is to build a comprehensive narrative, with diverse voices, in order to understand different angles and perspectives. Because only by understanding it clearly can we move the conversation forward.
What will this documentary be used for?
It will be a tool to raise awareness and share rigorous information, in a context where discussion of the topic often circulates in partial or distorted ways.
It will serve as a resource for understanding and public discussion in educational spaces, civil society organizations, and international forums—an effort to encourage serious, well-documented reflection.
Present and future generations will find in this work a guide to understanding a prolonged conflict, its real consequences, and the ethical questions that remain open.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT?
The United States' economic and commercial blockade of Cuba, has become part of the common language; it no longer surprises anyone, it is taken for granted, it is part of the status quo, having been integrated into the political and media landscape of the continent: it is frequently mentioned, but little studied. Most public discussions rely on repeated narratives, manipulated figures, or partial interpretations that prevent an understanding of its complexity or its real consequences.
Your donation makes this documentary possible and helps us produce it independently.
Challenging the embargo, one donation at a time
Why crowdfunding?
Given the political and legal nature of the topic, we chose crowdfunding as our approach: bringing together many small contributions from people who connect with the purpose of this documentary.
Why not use platforms like GoFundMe?
We decided not to use platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe because they operate under U.S. jurisdiction. As a result, funds raised through those services may be subject to restrictions, limitations, or review processes related to U.S. embargo regulations.
How will this work?
Our strategy prioritizes:
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Direct contributions
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Transparency in how resources are used
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Recognition in the documentary’s final credits
This model is not only a practical decision—it is also a coherent way to build the project collectively.
Funding
We aim to produce CUBA: Under the Embargo, a feature-length documentary that will offer historical memory, analytical rigor, and a human perspective on the embargo/blockade imposed on Cuba for more than six decades.
Your donation is essential because this project is funded independently. Your support makes it possible to research, produce, and complete the documentary with transparency and coherence—bringing it all the way to its final version.
Solidarity Support Levels
SUPPORT I — SOLIDARITY WITNESSES
$500 a $2,000 MXN | $25 a $100 USD
Those who join at this level become conscious witnesses to the process.
Their support helps move the research forward and creates space for voices that are rarely heard.
Includes:
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A personalized digital thank-you message
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Your name on the digital wall of solidarity supporters
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Periodic updates on the project’s progress
SUPPORT II — A COMMUNITY IN RESILIENCE
$2,001 a $5,000 MXN | $100 a $250 USD
This level represents those who not only observe, but actively accompany the building of the documentary.
Includes:
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Everything above
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Your name in the final credits as “A Community in Resilience”
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Early access to selected excerpts from the audiovisual process (work in progress)
SUPPORT III — CIVIC ALLIANCE & SOLIDARITY
$5,001 a $10,000 MXN | $251 a $500 USD
Civic alliances make it possible for the project to maintain editorial, political, and ethical independence.
Includes:
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Everything above
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Credit as a Civic Ally of the documentary
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Invitation to a private online screening with an open dialogue with the team
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Access to selected research materials
SUPPORT IV — SOLIDARITY CO-PRODUCTION
$10,001 a $50,000 MXN | $501 a $2,500 USD
This level recognizes those who make a deep commitment to memory, truth, and narrative justice.
Includes:
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Credit as a Solidarity Co-Producer
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Invitation to special screenings (in-person or online, depending on context)
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A private session with the creative and research team
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A symbolic certificate of solidarity co-production
SUPPORT V — DEMOCRATIC STEWARDSHIP OF THE PROJECT
Desde $50,001 MXN | Desde $2,501 USD
Democratic stewardship does not imply control—it reflects trust and shared responsibility in preserving the meaning and purpose of the documentary.
Includes:
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Featured credit as a Supporter and Democratic Steward of the project
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Access to the complete research dossier
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Public recognition (if the person wishes)
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Direct involvement during the final stages of the project
You can make this documentary a reality.
*Support the production of this documentary. Your donation goes towards research and audiovisual production. No funds are sent to government institutions.
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Background: Fidel de Cerca
This project emerges as a natural continuation of our previous work in documentary research and production: Fidel de Cerca, an intimate portrait of Fidel Castro conceived as a historical and biographical film.
The documentary has received recognition at international festivals and has had a strong reception in the circuits where it has been screened. Notable exhibitions include Cineteca Nacional in Mexico, the UNAM University Cultural Center, and the José Martí Auditorium at the Embassy of Cuba in Mexico (August 13, 2022), presented to special guests and members of the diplomatic corps.
In Fidel de Cerca, we set out to explore the man behind the uniform through testimonies from those who knew him personally. That creative process revealed thematic threads that go beyond biography: solidarity, resilience, and the defense of sovereignty in the face of external pressure—ideas that connect directly with this new documentary project.
Director of Photography | Film & Television Director
Eduardo Flores
A graduate of The London Film School, where he received a special distinction in cinematography in 1995. He currently works as a Director of Photography and film and television director.
Career
With more than 25 years of experience, he has worked on:
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50+ feature films and documentaries
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Nearly 300 TV commercials and music videos
Selected Productions
He has collaborated on international productions such as:
SPECTRE 007 (James Bond), Gloria (dir. Catherine Hardwicke), The Romanoffs (dir. Matthew Weiner), ZeroZeroZero (dir. Stefano Sollima), The Legend of Zorro, Flat Dog (dir. Tobe Hooper), and Collateral Damage.
In Mexican cinema, he has contributed to iconic titles such as Amores Perros and Babel, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu.
Recent Credits
His most recent work as Director of Photography includes:
BLURSDAY (dir. Sergio Guerrero), La Octava Cláusula (Amazon Prime), Sólo Respira, and The Facility.
Documentary Work
He has also collaborated with Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channel, including:
Mysteries of the Underworld: Teotihuacán (NatGeo Channel Latam), a project that won six Pantalla de Cristal / TELEMUNDO awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Documentary of the Year.
Fidel de Cerca
He recently premiered Fidel de Cerca: an intimate portrait of Fidel Castro, a documentary recognized at international festivals, including the award for Best Documentary Film at the Trieste Film Festival (Italy).
Current Project
He is currently working on the production of the biographical series Yo te Cielo, about the life and work of Frida Kahlo, for Disney+.
Affiliations & Production Company
He is a member of:
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AMC (Mexican Society of Cinematographers)
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SOC (Society of Camera Operators, USA)
He is also the director and co-founder of ODESSA Films & TV México. He lives in Mexico City with his wife and two children, and is represented by THE APA-AGENCY in Los Angeles, California.