‘Strawberry and Chocolate’ Star Jorge Perugorría and Brazil’s Thiago Lacerda Lead Havana-Set ‘Hotel Nacional’ (EXCLUSIVE)
What's happening
Jorge Perugorría, the Cuban actor famous for the Oscar-nominated film 'Strawberry and Chocolate,' has been cast in an upcoming movie called 'Hotel Nacional' set in Havana. Brazil's Thiago Lacerda joins him in the production, which is part of the Iberseries & Platino Industria Co-Production initiative.
Who's involved
Jorge Perugorría is a celebrated Cuban actor best known for his lead role in the 1993 international co-production 'Strawberry and Chocolate,' which became the first Cuban film ever nominated for an Academy Award. Thiago Lacerda is a Brazilian actor joining the cast alongside Perugorría for this Havana-based production.
Why it matters
The casting signals continued investment in high-profile Latin American film co-productions and represents a significant opportunity for Cuban cinema to build on its international recognition. The project also highlights the enduring cultural prestige of both Perugorría and the legacy of Cuban cinema on the global stage.
The story
Jorge Perugorría, the acclaimed Cuban actor best known for his leading role in 'Strawberry and Chocolate,' has been cast in the forthcoming film 'Hotel Nacional,' according to Variety. Joining him in the production is Brazilian actor Thiago Lacerda. The film is set in Havana and will participate in the Iberseries & Platino Industria Co-Production initiative, underscoring the growing collaboration between filmmakers across Latin America.
Perugorría's casting marks a significant moment for the project. The actor gained international prominence through his role in the 1993 Cuban classic 'Strawberry and Chocolate,' a comedy-drama directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabío and based on a short story by Senel Paz. That film became a landmark in cinema history as the first Cuban film ever to receive an Academy Award nomination, establishing Perugorría as a central figure in contemporary Cuban cinema.
The choice of 'Hotel Nacional' as the setting carries historical weight. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a Spanish eclectic style structure opened in 1930, stands as one of Havana's most iconic landmarks. Perched on Taganana Hill in the Vedado district, the hotel commands views of both the sea and the city skyline, making it a natural choice for a major film production with cultural and visual ambitions.
The pairing of Perugorría with Lacerda reflects a broader push within Latin American cinema toward cross-border collaborations. The Iberseries & Platino Industria Co-Production framework is designed to facilitate such partnerships, bringing together talent and resources from different countries to create productions with international reach and appeal. This structure has become increasingly important as filmmakers seek to expand their audiences and secure financing for ambitious projects.
For Perugorría, the role represents a continuation of his work in high-profile productions following the enduring success and cultural resonance of 'Strawberry and Chocolate.' The film remains significant not only for its artistic achievement but also as a symbol of Cuban cinema's capacity to produce work of international caliber and relevance.