This event comprises a documentary competition, and demonstrates Cuba’s support for a film-making genre that depicts contemporary realities and gives a voice to independent journalists, artists and individuals to communicate what they see as interesting and important issues in the world today. It’s an alternative to main-stream media that is often sponsored by wealthy individuals or organizations with motives that can be corrupted by business interests. The host city is Cuba’s second largest - Santiago de Cuba. Santiago Alvarez was a Cuban filmaker who died in 1998 and who’s work included montage techniques that many believe were the original inspiration for the modern video clip style. He was a founding member of ICAIC - The Cuban Film Institute. See the official festival website for more details.