HABANASTATION Movie Review

February 25, 2013

At the 23rd Annual Cinequest Film Festival running Feb 26 through March 10

INSPIRATION- Films that give your mind & soul a boost! Imagine being a tween stranded in an unfamiliar side of town and experiencing a rite of passage in one day. That is what happens to Mayito (Ernesto Escalona) but lucky for him he runs into his classmate, Carlitos (Andy Fornaris), who accompanies and befriends him in this journey. This film is great for the entire family. Experience a time in life where ignorance and innocence are blissful, where Mayito and Carlitos develop a sense of gratitude for what they have and don’t have. Fall in love, fly a kite, roam in the rain without shoes, and learn to stand up for yourself in HABANASTATION; it’s no game. By Eydie Mendoza Mario, also known as Mayito, a 12-year-old boy happens upon his rite of passage in the film HABANASTATION/HAVANASTATION from Director Ian Padron. Set in Habana, Cuba (Spanish with English subtitles) the film centers around Mayito (Ernesto Escalona) who is sheltered by his overprotective mother, Moriama (Blanca Rosa Blanco) and has a famous musician father, Pepe Arlay (Luis Alberto Garcia) who is more down to earth than his mother. He is fortunate, coming from a wealthy family where he has a carefree life. Mayito is a friendless, single child, and even owns the latest Playstation games. He and his classmates prepare to celebrate May Day with readings in the school courtyard and for a field trip, but like most children they share more enthusiasm about playing video games. Teacher Claudia (Claudia Alvarino) cares about her students, and promises Moraima that she will watch Mayito after the May Day parade. “La vida esta muy dura,” says his father as they enjoy a roasted chicken adorned with bell peppers for dinner and drink imported wine. Immediately after dinner, his father gives him a Playstation III game. The following day, after the May Day festivities and parade Mayito gets separated from his class and his adventure begins when he mistakenly takes the wrong bus. After requests that the driver stop to let him off, he walks through the unfamiliar neighborhood filled with people and children playing in the dirt roads. Fortunately he runs into Carlos (Andy Fornaris) an acquaintance from school that lives there in a shack with his grandmother (Miriam Socarras). As they walk over to use a phone at the neighbor’s house, Mayito relizes that “La vida esta muy dura (life is hard)” for his classmate, yet in spite of having to work, save money to buy his own toys, and cook his own meals, Carlitos too is a bit carefree. Throughout their adventures in the barrio, the boys tease each other about their ignorance but have a bonding experience when they compare their relationships with their fathers, who are not around much. One father was incarcerated for self-defense and the other is a traveling musician. The teacher finally remembers that Carlitos lives in the vicinity where the bus driver left Mayito, so she alerts the parents, and meets up with the grandmother at the shack. Mayito not only grows from this experience but he learns about sacrifice, develops a sense of independence and appreciation for others. Viewers seeking to gain insight into a day in the life of two boys who develop a friendship, learn about each other’s lives, and discover how to have fun in el barrio de la tinta in Havana, Cuba are invited to join Mayito and Carlitos as they get into mischief, play in the rain, learn to solve problems and share Mayito’s first crush. To see the most current full lineup of films, ticket information and event schedule go to www.cinequest.org Habanastation will be shown Thurs 2/28 4:15pm, Tues 3/5 6:45pm, Sat 3/9 11am