| As the culmination of his Master's program, John Locke produced a multimedia documentary, which investigates US-Cuban relations from the other side of the Florida Straits. Strait Talk: Politics, Propaganda and Perceptions Across the Florida Straits attempts to showcase the Cuban perspective through one-on-one, on-camera interviews and presentations. Locke was able to travel to Havana from April 26 through May 4th, 2003. The experience afforded the opportunity to tape scheduled presentations and interview Cuban officials. In addition, John was able to attend the May Day celebration in Plaza de la Revolucion and record Fidel Castro's address. The video documentary presents excerpts from Castro's speech and provides commentary from US officials, journalists, and Cubans. While the actual documentary is available for viewing by appointment only, this essay reflects on the author's experience producing the documentary—from technical and logistical aspects to its emotional and intellectual impact on the documentary artist. |
