The International Film and Television School in Cuba: For a Stronger Media Culture in the Global South

Abstract

A little-known facet of Cuban internationalism is that Cuba shares in the education of young people who want to help build a stronger media culture that represents voices from the global South. Cuba was instrumental in the establishment and operation of the International Film and Television School at San Antonio de los Baños. The Cuban government provided the location and buildings for the school, and among the range of international media professionals who teach the students are selected Cuban professors from the Institute of the Arts, based in Havana. The International Film and Television School is supported by funding from Spain and other countries, and by the willingness of international media professionals to teach short courses for little more than an honorarium. Cuba used to provide full scholarships for students from the South to study a two-year course in film or television, but now charges fees for its three-year diploma course.