CBH Hosts the 2025 Liberación Film Festival: Two Days of Films, Music, and Conversation | Day 1
The Center for Brooklyn History is excited to partner with the Afrolatino Festival NYC, and the Afrolatin@ Project for the return of the Liberación Film Festival - 5th Edition. This year’s curatorial focus on Panamá, in collaboration with the Day of Independence Committee for Panamanians in New York, highlights documentaries that tell stories of cultural heritage, resilience, and activism.
To learn about and register for Day 2, click here.
As Panamá and the Panamá Canal have reemerged as top geopolitical interests for the United States, join us for two historical stories of individuals whose global impact continues to resonate today. We are excited to present the New York Premiere of the documentary short Cirilo (2025) and the documentary biopic, Ruben Blades Is Not My Name (2018). A post-screening talkback will follow.
5:30 PM - Join Panamanian saxophonist Leonard Daniels, Sr., who trained with the legendary Latin Jazz musician Carlos Garnett, playing on the Center for Brooklyn History patio as you arrive.
6:00 PM - Screening of Cirilo (2025, 25 min). Directed by Justin Cooper, this film tells the story of Cirilo McSween, an Afro-Panamanian who migrated to the United States during the Jim Crow era. His journey from poverty to becoming a prominent activist in Chicago and a key but hidden figure in the history of US-Panama relations will resonate with many and speaks to the experience of many Panamanian-Americans in Brooklyn. This narrative serves as a tribute to the resilience, geopolitical participation and organization success of the diaspora.
6:25 PM - Screening of Ruben Blades is Not My Name (2018, 105 min) Director Abner Benaim’s biopic about Latin American icon Ruben Blades who was at the center of the New York Salsa revolution in the 1970's. His socially charged lyrics and explosive rhythms brought Salsa music to an international audience. Blades has won 17 Grammys, acted in Hollywood, earned a law degree from Harvard and even ran for President of his native Panama. He lives in New York, where he shares his life at home and on tour with the camera. Critically acclaimed director Abner Benaim takes us on a journey through Ruben's 50 year career, revealing that Ruben might still have both musical and political ambitions. The film is a celebration of this living legend and his struggle to come to terms with his legacy.
The screenings will be followed by a moderated talkback including questions from the audience.
This two-day series is presented in collaboration with the Afrolatino Festival of New York and the Afrolatin@ Project, and in partnership the Day of Independence Committee for Panamanians in New York in honor of the 30th anniversary this October 11th of the Annual Panamanian Day Parade in Brooklyn, the largest parade of its kind outside of Panamá.
About the Liberación Film Festival
The Liberación Film Festival is dedicated to curating vibrant and multifaceted narratives. The Festival produces screenings of powerful films that highlight the histories, creative contributions and triumphs of the Afro-Latin American diaspora.
