Carl Oelerich, an amateur photographer, works as a skycap at Salt Lake City Airport, and for the last 15 years has gone to Cuba to document the disappearing way of life of Cuba’s tobacco farmers. He’s forged friendships and captured the dignity and sacrifice of these campesinos through his surprisingly intimate pictures.
Whether it’s Modesto, the 101 year old philosophical tobacco farmer with a wicked twinkle in his eye and handlebar mustache that would give Yosemite Sam a run for his money; Giovanni the sweet and charismatic farmer/salsa dancer and devoted practitioner of Santeria; or Lazara photographed by Carl since she was two, who now enters her young adult life in the valley with a passion for physics, Campesino introduces you to a way of life and captivating cast of characters that you won’t soon forget.
Director/Producer Mia Tate will be at the screening and will speak afterwards about the film. Carl Oelerich, the photographer who inspired the film, will be on hand too, and will be able to speak about his passion for Cuba and the people of Viñales with whom he has created a special bond.
This film will be screened twice: 4:30pm and 7pm on March 7.
