Music Arts in Cuba Documentation Mission – Hola from Cuba! 

As I sit here with my documentary partner, Samson, sipping on delicious Cuban coffee, I am reflecting on what an opportunity it is to be capturing this beautiful and rich culture! 

Our group of 8 arrived at the airport in Halifax at 3 AM. We spent an hour and a half juggling music instruments and various pieces of luggage from one suit case to the next to assure we didn’t waste a single pound of allowed luggage. The wait (and a little stress) was worth it- we got all our gear on! 

We wasted no time getting to work by the time we arrived in Holguin. We were off to a neighbouring resort so our NSCC music students could perform. Samson, a NSCC Screen Arts student, and myself, a NSCC Broadcast Journalism student, partnered up to produce 3 documentary videos. Off we went, all over the reception, capturing the essence of the latin music our students were playing, and the overwhelming gratitude of Cubans, and many Canadians taking in the performance. Our music students are talented! 

The performance was apart of the WEFLA conference. An information gathering and cultural exchange conference between Cuba, and other countries. We interviewed participants from Canada, and Cuba. We also interviewed a girl named Angelyne Hernandez . She is a Cuban student studying in the Canadian Studies program at the University of Holguin. Her and another student, Lilly, will be with us all week. I’m so grateful for their help, and keeping us in line with our schedule (it’s just so easy to carry on when interviewing these fascinating people) 

I’ve been to Cuba many times before, but this time is different. I am appreciating the Cuban culture, I am studying their perceptions of us Canadians, and more importantly how our two countries can strengthen our relationships. 

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity through NSCC International. Cuba already had a place in my heart, but to be a part of this cultural exchange is something I will take with my for the rest of life, especially in my story telling abilities through my journalism. 

Kristen Brown

Radio & Television Arts

NSCC Waterfront Campus