In the Traverse City Festival Cuban Filmmakers

A Cuban filmmakers delegation, including producer Ian Padron and actress Mirtha Ibarra, is taking part in the Traverse City Festival founded by US director Michael Moore, which runs from late July to early August.

Both received the Key to the City from Michael Moore at the opening ceremony in recognition of their work and career. He also urged the audience to watch the Cuban films.

Also present was director Juan Carlos Cremata, whose film " Viva Cuba" co-directed with Iraida Malberti, will be presented at the festival. The three filmmakers will participate in a parallel panel entitled "We live in Cuba and Make Films".

The Cuban film show includes tapes such as "El cuerno de la Abundancia" (The Horn of Plenty) directed by Juan Carlos Tabio, "Fuera de Liga" (Outside the League) directed by Ian Padron and "Fresa y Chocolate" (Strawberry and Chocolate) directed by Tomas Gutierrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabio.

The Traverse City Festival takes place in Northern Michigan where Moore was born. It includes free screenings in open spaces and in several halls of the resort city selected by Moore.

Its main objective is to promote art and culture and an entrance fee is only larged in the conventional theatres, and those funds are allocated to cover the budget of the festival of about 150,000 dollars, although there are also contributions from private donations.