FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Jun 15, 2009

Documentary on Cuba to be Screened June 24

KEUKA PARK, N.Y.—The video documentary Strait Talk: Politics, Propaganda and Perceptions Across the Florida Straits will be screened at Keuka College Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. in Norton Chapel.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted and will fund humanitarian aid purchases by the Rochester Committee on Latin America for the annual Pastors for Peace "Friendshipment."

Produced by Penn Yan resident John Locke, Strait Talk examines United States/Cuba relations and the effect of the U.S. embargo on the tiny island 90 miles from the southern U.S. border.

John, director of instructional design in the Center for Professional Studies, and Debbie Locke visited Cuba in April and May of 2003.

"We brought back 30 hours of video, including interviews with the former mayor of Havana and the general secretary of labor, as well as ordinary Cubans," said John Locke. "We were surprised at just how desperately the Cuban people wanted to tell their story. Apparently, many Cubans have a very different opinion of their government than the U.S. mainstream media reports. Cubans watch CNN and realize that their point of view is not being presented to the U.S. people. They were grateful to have the opportunity."
Upon their return to the United States, John began to catalog his footage and realized that in order to present a balanced documentary, he needed to include the official position of the U.S. government. Kevin Whitaker, coordinator of Cuban affairs at the U.S. State Department, was happy to participate according to John.

"Mr. Whitaker answered questions on tape for more than an hour. He expertly articulated the State Department's official position under the Bush Administration. I was struck by how little change has taken place considering there is no longer a 'Soviet threat.' It's almost as if the State Department is stuck in a time warp," observed Locke.

According to Locke, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) also participated in the project and suggests a policy of constructive engagement similar to that used with other Communist countries and South Africa.

"His comments provide insight into an alternative approach subscribed to by many in Congress on both sides of the aisle," said Locke.

The documentary features Cuban music, scenes from Havana, and even an appearance by Fidel Castro.
"Every time we show this documentary, people walk away saying, 'I had no idea,'" said Locke.
For more information, call John Locke at 585-261-4076.

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Office of Communications, Keuka College, Keuka Park, New York 14478

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