Private Project

Conexiones: A Cuban Mexican Connection

Conexiones: A Cuban Mexican Connection is a documentary chronicling the 2016 tour of Cuba by Mexican American roots group Los Cenzontles. Conexiones captures a unique glimpse into Cuban cultural life during an historic time of openness between the United States and Cuba. Los Cenzontles were granted rare access to perform traditional Mexican music in four cities around Cuba where they engaged with Cuban musicians from a variety of walks of life. There they discovered the richness of Cuban culture and Cuba’s deep affection for and fascination with Mexican culture. The film is a poignant statement on the importance of cultural exchange, identity and openness at a time of uncertainty in U.S, Cuban relations.

  • James Hall
    Director
    Outcast: Adrift with the Rohingya
  • Eugene Rodriguez, James Hall
    Writer
  • Eugene Rodriguez
    Producer
    Pasajero, A Journey of Time and Memory
  • Los Cenzontles
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Conexiones: Los Cenzontles en Cuba. Un viaje musical de conexión
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    52 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    June 28, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Cuba
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - James Hall


Through video and photography, James specializes in documenting the stories of marginalized groups and of individuals, communities and organizations who are passionate about what they do and how they do it, and who strive to make a change in the world.

James Hall is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker, and has worked for diverse esteemed institutions over the last decade including National Geographic, Al Jazeera English, TIME Magazine, VICE Media, New York Times, SF Chronicle, Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting and others. The documentary short film "Toxic Tanneries" on the environmental and human toll of the leather industry in Bangladesh which he filmed (reported by Jason Motlagh) for Al Jazeera + was awarded Outstanding Feature for 2015 by the South Asian Journalists Association. He has worked extensively in South and Southeast Asia and Central America, and his work with nonprofit groups in these regions, such as CARE Int’l and Save the Children, was highlighted in a feature in Popular Photography Magazine.

All of James's work is centered on connecting people through pictures because an honest image of a riveting story can sometimes transcend the limits of any continent, class or culture and tap into something far more essential: our shared humanity.

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