Film

Prior to 1959, Havana, esp. Hotel Nacional, was a regular stop for famous television and film celebrities. USA films regularly were shown in Americanized movie theaters throughout Cuba. In addition to USA films, Cuba has always embraced the Cuban film industry (often to present the "triumphs of the Revolution" or other propaganda about life in Cuba or USA imperialism).

Film makers in Cuba have occasionally pushed the envelope too far for the comfort of the conservative socialist government in the areas of homosexuality, lives of marginalized people in Cuba, and the plight of average Cubans since 1959. Foreign film makers regularly attend the Havana International Film Festival annually. Stephen Spielberg visited Cuba in the Fall of 2002 and has stated he would like to produce a film in Cuba in the near future if possible.