Grand Prize for Néster Núñez’s Documentary at Yumurí 2026
The Grand Prize in Film and Video of the 35th Yumurí 2026 Film Club Encounter was awarded to the documentary Al otro lado de la esperanza (On the Other Side of Hope) by Matanzas filmmaker Néster Núñez Gómez, during the closing ceremony at the Pharmaceutical Museum.
Eighty-five works were evaluated in the contest, with a preselection of 46 belonging to Matanzas, Cuba, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
In an interview for Radio 26, the laureate Núñez Gómez, participating for the first time, stated:
«My work is of social and humanist content, inspired by a family of seven children whose living conditions are truly lamentable. However, it is not focused on ‘pornomiseria,’ as it is called in these film club circles; it is denunciation, which does not wallow in the poor conditions of existence. There is a spirit of happiness breathed in those children, with such a hostile environment.»
«And I believe that contrast observed between the images seen and the children greatly enhances the work and calls for reflection from the people who see it, which is our main objective.
«Unfortunately, there are many families like this in the country due to the economic conditions of recent years, which is why it becomes a call that we cannot leave them alone. We cannot leave them alone because they have no way out and need attention and support.»
Where can we see that film material?
«It has only circulated on social networks, and deciding to participate in Yumurí 2026 is an experience that allowed me to interact with other colleagues and will perhaps help the documentary find new viewers and thus make these humble people visible.»
At the film club gathering, 18 prizes and ten honorable mentions were conferred in various categories.
Likewise, 15 personalities received the status of Honorary Members.
When these honored intellectuals spoke, they expressed their satisfaction with the permanent existence of this event, which demonstrates the perseverance and will of the people of Matanzas.
And they noted that they have enjoyed for many years the renewal and creative quality continually appreciated in the Yumurino film club movement, worthy of many national prizes.
This event possesses the gift and magic of reflecting the life of the Matanzas resident in multiple artistic ways, and the country’s cultural history is grateful for it.
In the conclusions, Mario Rodríguez Naite, president of the contest, stated that the 35th Yumurí 2026 Film Club Encounter constitutes a stimulus for the talents of the seventh art as an artistic path of participation, in what is considered the third oldest film and video event in the country, which without intending to, convened lovers of the seventh art from other nations.
«We await new laurels and filmmakers in 2027,» he said, «when we are granted the condition of awarding Laurels to the prizewinners, an award of international rank.»
He congratulated the Organizing Committee for its perseverance and fidelity to the culture of the Athens of Cuba and of the entire province.
More details of the prizes in upcoming broadcasts.
