"Mijaín" Documentary to Premiere at 9th Summer Film Festival

The documentary "Mijaín," directed by Rolando Almirante, Ángel Alderete, and Héctor Villar, will be presented today at a press conference as part of the official program of the 9th Summer Film Festival.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. in the Héctor García Mesa screening room at the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), the festival's main venue.

During the presentation, the filmmakers and several figures featured in the documentary will share details about the production and editing process, according to a statement released by the festival's organizing committee on Facebook.

The film chronicles Mijaín López's historic fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal, blending archival footage, coach interviews, and intimate behind-the-scenes moments that highlight his discipline and dedication.

Héctor Villar, audiovisual director and co-author of the film, told the Cuban News Agency (ACN) that the production team focused on capturing the athlete's human side, documenting his grueling training sessions ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics and his close-knit support system.

"During filming and editing, we aimed to balance visuals, pacing, and emotion to best portray Mijaín López's remarkable journey to becoming the only Olympian in his discipline to win five consecutive gold medals," Villar explained.

This special screening reinforces the 9th Summer Film Festival as a key platform for Cuban cinema, with "Mijaín" joining other documentary and fiction works that reflect the ongoing revitalization of the country's film industry.