Zombies take over the red carpet
By Katherine Monahan
A surprise horde of zombies shuffled up the red carpet at the Teatro Nacional Saturday night, moaning and swiping at photographers.
Juan de los Muertos, about zombies attacking Havana, played was the starred presentation to a highly entertained crowd. The Spanish production is a comedy, with lots of little jabs at Cuban post-revolution propaganda and lifestyle, not to mention plenty of blood and martial arts.
Director Alejandro Brugues introduced the film, describing how when he first saw the grandeur of the Teatro Nacional, he was stupefied. “They’re going to play Juan de los Muertos here? I thought these places were normally reserved for . . . real movies!”
He is grateful for the attention his fun movie is receiving, and hopes the word will spread. “Zombies – if you hear anyone say they didn’t like the movie, eat their brains!” he instructed. The zombie crew, seated in the back of the theater, responded with enthusiastic moans.
Juan de los Muertosalso played for free in the open air, at the Parque Centenial in Casco Viejo with more zombies in attendance.
Panamanian class-warfare comedy Chance will play in the park Monday night.
The Panama-Ecuador production Route of the Moon premiered Sunday in the Teatro Nacional with Cuban actor Yimmy David Suarez playing a bowling champion from Panama City, taking an unexpected road trip with his ex-boxer dad.
The Festival continues through May 2, with more gala red carpet events, industry panels, and a wide selection of international films at the Cinemark Multicentro.
