The Hottest Latin Film School: International School of Film and Television San Antonio de los Baños- CUBA

As a filmmaker, deciding what film school to go to is quite a difficult task. You want to pick the best place possible to prepare you for your career, and then several other things go into play, like your budget and your family situation. When I was in the process of choosing an undergrad film school, it all came down to four schools for me: USC, NYU, U of Miami and EICTV. USC was crossed out because California seemed too far from my family in NY and South America. NYU I excluded because I wanted to try living in a new place from where I had grown up, so my last two choices were

University of Miami and EICTV in Cuba.

Well, being that Miami is the American Paradise, I chose to study at the University of Miami

and left the film school in Cuba behind.

Was it the right choice? Well, I don't regret things in life and I believe that everything happens for a good reason. Coming to Miami definitely was a great choice in terms of the city to choose as my home. Wouldn't you have chosen to live here...

as opposed to here?

Hmmmmm.... I don't know, I guess they both have their unique enchantment and beauty!! Well, as for the city, I chose Miami.

But as for the film school decision, I must admit that now, knowing what I know, I should have chosen to go to EICTV in Cuba!

I'm not talking down on my Alma matter, UM. Don't get me wrong. Those were some wonderful years and I met some of the greatest friends in the world. I even did a semester in Prague, which was an amazing experience.

But to be honest, I graduated very disappointed with UM and their lack of interest in supporting the career of one of their most talented new filmmakers. The guy who won a bunch of awards for his thesis film, and was the talk of the Cannes Film Festival... That filmmaker being....of course... yours truly... ME! But I'm not bitter... because life is too short to be bitter... and I'm too short to be bitter!

In retrospect, if I could turn back time, I think I would have chosen to study CINE in CUBA

and go to CUBA's prestigious film school.

As crazy as that may sound to most of the democratic world, I think I would have had a better film school experience if I would have chosen EICTV.

So to all you young aspiring Latino filmmakers, if your professional calling is film, I urge you to consider studying at the International School of Film and Television of San Antonio de los Baños,

better known as the School of Gabriel García Márquez.

Since its founding in 1986, this film institution has been training the best professionals in key areas of film production: photographers, soundpersons, editors, writers and, of course, directors.

Although the inscription deadline for this year was closed in February, the call remains open only for Peru. Each candidate can fill a registration form available online at www.eictv.org. The form, once completed, can be sent electronically to the Cuban Film School at academica@eictv.org.cu.

Applicants, who must be between 22 and 29 years-old, will be invited to a personal meeting with representatives of Conacine and Alumni Committee,

where they will take a test of skills and knowledge of general culture, and other subjects related to the specific specialization they wish to take. The deadline for entries is Sunday, March 15. For more information, visit www.eictv.org.

The great news is that the school recently opened a school for superior film studies for Latino filmmakers like myself, who still have the chance to continue our film knowledge in one of the hottest, if not the best film school of Latin America:

Hmmmmmm... now that's something to think about! Perhaps in my next blog I will be writing from the colonial streets of Cuba!?! I'll keep you posted!