The Factory

Even the fiercest critic of socialism cannot suppress a slight feeling of admiration for what has been achieved in economically isolated and underdeveloped Cuba. Political and military events become history and are recorded in memory. The nameless millions who make these events possible are easily forgotten, often just used.

THE FACTORY digs deep into the average day in the life of the makers of the world-famous handmade Havana cigars - fervently smoked by even the fiercest critics of socialism, like Churchill and Rockefeller.

Discussed are, among other subjects, work relations, socialist competition ('emulation') and wage differences, control and union structure, emancipation of women and the work and working conditions themselves. An unbiased view into the heart of Cuban socialism with many points of departure for discussion.

THE FACTORY reveals the Cuban workers as searching for the delicate balance between democracy and discipline, contentment and aversion, self-awareness and apathy.

Press (1980):
'Both the juries of FIPRESCI and FICC gave their kudos to THE FACTORY which also won an award from the World Trade Union Council. Yet, several critics felt this film was underestimated by the International Jury…'
(Movie/TV Marketing)

'Beautifully made film about everyday life in Cuba. There was clear enthusiasm in the Festival hall for the Dutch film THE FACTORY. Observations during work, conversations reflecting past and present, blend into a group-portrait of workers in a socialist country, which has not been seen on the screen for a long time'.
(Neues Deutschland)