Cuba's Digital Revolution

In 2016, stunning changes appeared underway in Cuba. The island slowly began opening its economy, and a new crop of younger political leaders, potentially more open to democracy, seemed poised to take the stage. During this period, a third, less discussed, transition also emerged: the arrival of the internet. But it is this third transition that arguably had the most momentum, and could significantly accelerate the first two.

About the Film

Shot in the months following US President Barack Obama’s historic visit to the island, this documentary by Samuel George explores Cuba’s newfound access to digital tools. The film goes behind the scenes with digital entrepreneurs, revealing how the famed Cuban Hacker Spirit of problem solving helped spur a technologically savvy generation, without asking permission of anyone. The film also covers concerning elements of Cuba’s digital revolution, such as an emerging divide between those with access, and those without. “Cuba’s Digital Revolution” captures a unique moment in time; a moment of optimism for an island on the brink of change. The film is especially revealing in light of more recent developments. In the years since production, Cuban economic momentum has deteriorated, as has much of the optimism of 2016. In recent months, a number of Cubans have begun leveraging online networks to muster a protest movement against the government that has spilled over into in-person activity; an expression of Cuban civil society not seen since prior to the revolution.