The documentary “The Night will Not Be Eternal,” directed by Chinese videographer Nanfu Wang, premiered in November on Max and tells the life of Rosa María Payá in Cuba.
Wang, an immigrant living in the United States, explores the parallels between her life in communist China and Rosa maría’s life under the authoritarian Cuban regime.
The title of the documentary comes from a book written by the deceased opposition member Oswaldo payá Sardiñas, father of rosa María.
The narrative begins with Wang’s statement, “This is a story about Cuba,” and focuses on how the people of China and Cuba can fight for change. Through a personal approach, Wang documents Rosa María’s life as an opponent, highlighting the constant fear of being monitored by Cuban State Security.
The documentary also shows the beginning of Wang’s career as a documentary filmmaker in China,filming protests in Beijing. While Wang presents herself as a victim of Chinese authoritarianism, Rosa María identifies herself as a victim of Castro’s communism. Rosa shares details about her father’s struggle, family life and the Christian Liberation Movement with her Varela Project, which obtained more than 35,000 signatures at the time.
The documentary includes testimonies from other Cuban opponents such as Lia Villares, Danilo maldonado and Saylí navarro. Rosa María narrates the events of her father’s murder by Cuban authorities, emphasizing that the regime’s goal was to destroy his legacy, the Varela Project.
Rosa María and her family emigrated to the United states after Oswaldo’s death, following his advice to leave Cuba if something happened to him. In exile, Rosa María founded cuba Decide, an institution that advocates for a plebiscite in Cuba, thanks to the support of friends whose identity is not revealed.
The documentary closes with Wang’s words: “We have to remain defiant,” reaffirming the commitment to the fight for democracy.
How does Rosa María Payá’s story reflect the broader struggle for democracy in authoritarian regimes?
Interview with Nanfu Wang: exploring “The Night Will Not Be Eternal” and the Fight for Democracy in Cuba
By the Time.news Editor
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Nanfu. Your documentary “The Night Will Not be Eternal” highlights the life of Rosa María Payá in Cuba.Can you tell us what inspired you to tell her story?
A: Thank you for having me. The inspiration came from my own experiences as an immigrant from China and the parallels I saw between my life under authoritarian regime and Rosa María’s struggles in Cuba. I felt a deep connection to her fight for democracy and how she carries the legacy of her father, Oswaldo Payá, who was a prominent opposition figure. This documentary aims to shed light on the resilience and courage of people from both Cuba and China, showcasing how they navigate the complex landscapes of their respective regimes.
Q: The title of your documentary resonates with both past and current implications of authoritarianism.How did you choose it?
A: The title “The Night will not be Eternal” comes from Oswaldo Payá’s writings. It symbolizes hope and resistance against the oppressive regimes in both Cuba and China.I wanted to emphasize that while the struggle may seem daunting, it is indeed crucial to remain hopeful for change. The narrative encapsulates the determination of individuals like Rosa María, who believe that the darkness of oppression will eventually give way to light.
Q: In your documentary, you showcase Rosa María’s experiences with Cuban State Security. What insights did you gain from her perspective?
A: Rosa María’s insights were incredibly powerful. She described living under constant surveillance, creating an environment of fear. It was captivating to witness her transformation from a victim of Castro’s communism to a determined activist advocating for a future Cuba. Her story demonstrates that the consequences of authoritarianism extend far beyond political suppression; they impact families, communities, and the fabric of society itself.
Q: The documentary features testimonies from various Cuban opponents. How did their stories contribute to the overall message?
A: Including voices like Lia villares, Danilo Maldonado, and saylí Navarro enriched the documentary’s narrative. Their experiences offered a broader context to Rosa María’s story, demonstrating that the fight for freedom is collective. Each testimony highlights unique struggles and resilience, reinforcing the notion that change often comes from unified efforts against oppression.
Q: After her father’s murder, Rosa María emigrated to the United States and founded Cuba Decide. Why is this institution vital for advocacy in Cuba?
A: Cuba Decide plays a critical role in championing democracy and political engagement among Cubans. Rosa María’s initiative for a plebiscite empowers citizens to voice their opinions about the country’s future. It represents hope for a democratic transition, illustrating that even in exile, Cuban activists can create platforms to foster political discourse and support for civil liberties.
Q: Your documentary concludes with a strong message of defiance. Why is that such an important note to end on?
A: Ending with the notion of defiance emphasizes the need for resilience in the face of adversity. It serves as a call to action,urging audiences to stay engaged and continue supporting the fight for democracy,not just in Cuba,but globally. Change is a collective journey, and as Rosa María advocates, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to justice and freedom.
Q: Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who wish to address political and social issues through their work?
A: My advice would be to stay authentic and passionate about the stories you want to tell. Understand the histories and complexities involved in the issues at hand. Engage with the subjects and communities deeply to ensure that their voices are heard. And most importantly, remember that storytelling can be a powerful tool for change; it can inspire, inform, and unite people in their fight for justice.
This conversation provides insight into the important themes portrayed in “The Night will Not Be Eternal.” Through the compelling stories of individuals like Rosa María Payá and the dedication of filmmakers like Nanfu Wang,we gain a profound understanding of the enduring fight for democracy in oppressive regimes.