About Me
Havana Kidz: "The Stories Behind Their Music".
Havana Kidz!, a wonderful new documentary, is the story of five young musicians living in Havana City. First time director/producer Alberto Gonzalez enters the lives and homes of five families in search of the next generation of Cuban musicians. What he discovers is a story filled with history, disappointment, achievement, dedication and--most of all--love. Each kid has a unique and endearing personality and each family represents a rare snapshot of Cuba itself. It shows a side of Cuba that has yet to be documented. A side beyond the political landscape of nations where families struggle to raise their children and find hardship and joy in their sacrifices and victories. This is a picture of family that is fascinating and new, but also universal. Reminding us, in these politically charged times, that despite our differences be they religious, political, economic or ideologically--we are all just trying to raise our kids the best we can.
Havana Kidz II : "The Band"
In this inspiring follow-up to Havana Kidz, you will revisit the lives of Ismael and his teenage band in Havana, Cuba. This film celebrates the musical talents of street-smart kids and exposes their tenacity to keep their music alive in a forgotten city. The intricate lives of these teenagers and the complexities they have to endure will grip you to the screen. You will experience their hopes and career goals for their future while you share their perspective on what lies ahead. Scenes from their rehearsals, pep talks, and discussions provide a very up-close and personal look into the lives of these musicians. While the teens provide a unique insight into Havana's soul and cultural diversity, the city's backdrop and musical sounds play an important part in the film and sets the tone in every scene. You will find that what Cuba lacks economically, it makes up in culture, color and zest for life when viewed through the eyes of these charismatic, confident and savvy teens.
Director/Producer: ALBERTO GONZALEZ
Born in New York City, Alberto Gonzalez is a Cuban American who began his career in popular culture venues as a DJ and Music Producer/Engineer. His first involvement with film was his contribution to the award winning film "Anne B. Real", a story about a Cuban/American female rapper who finds inspiration through her reading of the "Diary of Anne Frank". Thereafter, fascinated with the art of filmmaking and having landed several jobs shooting Hip-Hop and Latin music videos, he eventually co-produced the feature film "Love & Suicide", a love story set in Havana that recently enjoyed huge success premiering for ten weeks straight throughout South Florida. His most recent project is the result of a decade's worth of dedication to telling the story of young musicians in contemporary Cuba. Alberto Gonzalez debuts as a director and producer with his documentary Havana Kidz! "The Stories Behind Their Music".
Co-Producer: ADRIANA ALVAREZ
Adriana Alvarez was born in Havana, Cuba. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Havana, in 1998. Soon after graduation she started working at the Cuban Institute of Art and Cinematography for the International Film Festival of Havana . In the year 2000, she started gathering information and wrote a book about the history of the filmmakers in the Institute from 1959 to 2004. She won an Award for Cultural Research for the book that is to be published in 2006.
Adriana also took courses in Direction, Production and Script Supervision and in 2003 worked as Second Assistant to Direction in the Spanish-Cuban feature film "Hormigas en la Boca". In 2004 she co wrote and produced the independent documentary "Havana Kidz" . In 2005 she relocated from Havana to New York City where she now resides .
