Ilmar and Aldo López-Gavilán are virtuoso Afro-Cuban musician brothers, born in Havana in the 70s. At 14, Ilmar outgrew his island teachers and was sent to the U.S.S.R. to study violin. He never lived in Cuba again, ultimately landing as a working chamber violinist in the U.S. Younger brother Aldo grew up mentored by Cuba’s impressive jazz and classical pianists, his extraordinary talent achieving renown on the island, but stymied elsewhere by the 60-year-old U.S. embargo. Though they see each other when family finances and visa restrictions allow, they've never had a chance to collaborate musically—something they've longed for all their lives.
Tracking their parallel lives, poignant reunion, and momentous first performances together on stages across the U.S., Los Hermanos (The Brothers) is a nuanced, intensely moving view of nations long estranged, through the lens of music and family.
A discussion will take place following the screening.
About Minnesota Cuban Film Festival
The 13th Minnesota Cuban Film Festival (MCFF) features films that address the achievements and challenges of the Cuban people through the eyes of its filmmakers. The festival highlights diverse and challenging films of social change, human struggle and the boldness of the human spirit. Every Thursday at 7PM, May 26-June 30, 2022