“Immigration and travel certainly don't mean the same thing everywhere. Here in Cuba, the big wall isn't just the fact that it's an island, but the fact that we need an exit permit in order to leave, and the letters of invitation in order to visit another country.” NeedsMeanCountryFactsBigsOrderWallLettersImmigrationIslandsPermitInvitationsCubaExit Author:Fernando Perez
“There was a time when emigration from Cuba was a definitive separation. There were no visits. In the '80s, '90s, it was incredibly difficult. I'm not the only one interested in this as a filmmaker - other Cuban filmmakers have dealt with it, too, because it's such a part of our reality.” RealityDifficultSeparationFilmmaker80sCubaCubanEmigration Author:Fernando Perez
“It's true that in Cuba there are double standards, there's opportunism, and there is a lack of freedom in some ways.” WayStandardsCubaDouble StandardOpportunism Author:Fernando Perez
“I don't think that the reality of Cuba is perfect, but it doesn't cleave to the negativity, either, with which some people see it.” PeopleThinkingRealityPerfectNegativityCuba Author:Fernando Perez
“The base of artistic pursuit is ambivalence and complexity. And that's what I try to do.” TryingPursuitArtisticComplexityAmbivalence Author:Fernando Perez
“What is happiness to me is not necessarily for you. Someone once said, there are three truths: your truth, my truth and the truth. And I think that's true.” ThinkingSaidThreeWhat Is HappinessMy Truth Author:Fernando Perez
“It's often pointed out that in Cuban cinema there are too many comedies, but a sense of humor is so much part of the Cuban idiosyncrasy. Curiously, the films that have been censored the most have been humorous.” Has BeensFilmComedyHumorousCinemaSense Of HumorCubanCensoredIdiosyncrasies Author:Fernando Perez
“Cubans joke and satirize everything that life gives them, and I think that's a positive characteristic.” ThinkingGivingJokesCharacteristicsCuban Author:Fernando Perez
“When you live in the country or the state it's important to remember that you must be objective. Personal feelings must be put aside - you are there to document and tell the story and come back safely.” ImportantCountryFeelingsRemember Author:Stanley Greene
“I think precision in writing goes hand in hand with not trying to say everything. You try and say two-thirds, so the reader will involve himself or herself.” ThinkingWritingTryingTwoHandsReaderThirdsHand In HandPrecision Author:Michael Ondaatje