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Rhona Wise / REUTERS
Javier Nunez, right, and Analin de la Rua in Miami.
MIAMI - Two lead actors from a prize-winning film about escaping Cuba have emerged from hiding to confirm they are seeking political asylum in the United States.
The young Cuban actors went missing last week while en route to the Tribeca Film Festival in New York where they were due to appear at the movie's U.S. premiere.
Actress Anailin de la Rua and actor Javier Nunez, cast members of "Una Noche" ("One Night"), broke their silence Friday night in a TV appearance on the Miami-based Spanish language channel America TeVe.
In an interview with Reuters, de la Rua and Nunez said their life imitating art saga was not quite as dramatic in real life as the harrowing story depicted in the film.
"Una Noche" follows three Cuban teenagers who try to escape their homeland by sea on a raft to start a new life in Miami. De la Rua and Nunez, who fell in love during filming, play a brother and sister, but only one of them survives the risky journey.
Berlin trip gets them thinking
The pair said their real-life decision to leave Cuba stemmed from the success of the film and invitations to travel to festival premieres - Berlin in February and then New York.
They spent six days in Germany in February, their first overseas trip, but returned to Cuba and only began to think of leaving the island permanently when they got news of the invitation to New York.
"In part it's hard to leave your family and friends behind," said de la Rua, who has two sisters and divorced parents in Havana. "But at the same time you do it so you can help them. There's no future in Cuba."
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Nunez said his mother lives alone in Cuba and he plans to help her out economically along with his older brother who left Cuba for Ecuador several years ago and works as a waiter.
The actors, both aged 20, said they were surprised by the film's success, especially as it was their first - and only - acting roles. They were 15 when they auditioned separately for the film, and then spent two years preparing for their roles after being selected by the film's director Lucy Mulloy.
"She told us what she liked and didn't like. She likes very natural acting," said de la Rua.
But nearly three years passed before the film's release, during which time the pair took regular day jobs. "Our friends in Cuba kept on asking us 'when is the film coming out,' and they almost didn't believe it was for real," said de la Rua, who worked at a Havana street stall selling home-made handicrafts and jewelry to tourists. Nunez worked in a pizza restaurant.
Athletes and artists
"It never entered our minds that we would get to travel because of the film. We never imagined that it would go this far," de la Rua added.
There is a long history of Cuban athletes and artists defecting to pursue careers outside their home country, including the 1997 defection of baseball pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez who smuggled his way out of Cuba by boat and became a star with the New York Yankees.
More recently the desertions have included talented ballet dancers and soccer players.
A Miami immigration lawyer, Wilfredo Allen, who is representing the actors, said he planned to file for political asylum on their behalf in the next two weeks "based on possible persecution if they return to Cuba."
Under U.S. law Cuban citizens enjoy special immigration rights to remain in the United States, either by applying for permanent residency or by seeking political refugee status.
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The couple's reappearance came a day after Nunez shared the best actor award at the Tribeca festival, along with Dariel Arrechada, a fellow actor in "Una Noche." Arrechada accepted the award on his own, and apparently plans to return to Cuba.
"Una Noche" also picked up the Tribeca Festival's best cinematography award and best new narrative director for Mulloy.
Mulloy, a London-born 32-year-old who shot the low-budget film in Havana and was inspired by a tale she heard on a trip to the island nation 10 years ago, told Reuters she wished the missing actors could have attended the award ceremony.
"I haven't heard from them," she said. "Honestly, it's all happened so quickly ... it's a shock," she added.
"I'm sad for them because they are my friends," Arrechada told Reuters in broken English and Spanish after accepting his award on Thursday, referring to his missing fellow actors.
"I wish they were here, but ... you could be happy for them, for Javier and for Anailin and for everyone. It's weird. I miss him."
The couple is staying with de la Rua's uncle in Miami and plans to move into their own place as soon as they find jobs. They said they would like to act again, but are willing to do any kind of job to kick off their new lives.
They said the director of "Una Noche" is hoping to make a sequel, titled "Una Noche Mas" (One More Night).
"We'd like to do that," said Nunez.
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Leave a Comment:
it shocks me how cavalier everyone is in regards to people "seeking asylum." isnt that just a fancy term for "illegal immigration?" if the US really allows this to happen, whats stopping everyone from doing it? also, the fact that they're looking for jobs is even worse! are they legally able to work right away? with the millions of legal US workers who are out of work? are they even qualified to do anything besides acting?? unreal...
This may come as a shock to you but 90% of the people on this planet have no interest of moving here, thats what stopping everyone from 'doing it'.
How do we convince the other 10% to stay away?
What is so special about Cubans??? Is this because Cuba is a communist country and if this is the reason, do refugees from other communist countries get the same treatment???
Chefaz, I believe it has to do with the Government back in the 60s attempt to overthrow the Cuban government by getting the armed forced to defect, so it is a Carryover.Technically the USA has a " Government in Exile " for Cuba registered .
Hey Eagle!!! I was wondering if it had anything to do with that. THANK YOU!!! ☺
Absolutely right, Rockme. "No future" in Cuba? Wish I had a dollar for every time I have heard that phrase! From all i have heard, there is no future in Mexico, no future in Russia, no future in Trinidad, Jamaica, any of the West Indies. Well, there will be a future in all those places. What kind of future it will be depends on whether its young people stay and build and work towards it.
The Cold War is long over. Thee is no reason to treat Cubans any differently from other poor, Third World migrants. No reason other than the fantastic talent on the part of the Exile community to bribe the right people and manipulate the political system to obtain what they want. It will get only worse if Sen. Marco Rubio is elected Vice President or even just runs as a Republican.
You are always welcomed Chefaz!! :-)
It's not especially complicated. We give special treatment to those who want to come to the United States because their lives may be at risk, as opposed to those who just want to be here because there's more money to be made. It makes the United States look better internationally, and because the number of people that flee to the US for asylum is relatively low (so I've heard, if anyone has stats available I'd like to see them), it doesn't add significantly to any immigration burden.
Then again, I'm pro-immigration all the way, so I'm biased. It might seem weird to other people.
No, Britney, it is not "illegal immigration" any person, either abroad or already in the country may apply for political asylum based on a "well founded fear of persecution". In order to work, an applicant must apply separately or concurrently for a special type of work visa which is valid only pending the outcome of their case.
Since the two actors who applied for asylum entered the USA on a visa and had to possess passports, they did not enter the country illegally and thus cannot be accused of being "illegal" immigrants.
One can only speculate as to what grounds specifically they are basing their asylum application on.
Possibly participating in a film which could be perceived by Cuban officials as critical of the government or policies of the Cuban government.
Someone give them a job checking enter tubes for leaks.
The only persecution this two faced was one of money. They are here for economic reasons only. If Cuba was so bad, they would not have been allowed out of the country in the first place.
I say that it is time to recognise that Castro took Cuba from being a whore to the US Mafia and turned it into a place where everyone gets medical care, education, and a place to work. No...they don't have billionaires in Cuba, but they don't have people starving in the streets either.
Unless they really are "political refuges", I say send them back.
After reading a lot of these comments I wonder "Why is everyone so afraid of immigrants"? What is the problem with immigrating here? Every single person has immigrated here EXCEPT for the Native Americans. The only TRUE Americans are the Native Americans.
Most developed Countries have a policy of granting political asylum to those in danger or for other reasons. There is nothing wrong with this, these two are going about it the right and legal way to become US citizens. Why does everyone have a problem with this? I thought it was only the ILLEGAL aliens that everyone was fussing about? We can't have closed borders when we have human beings coming to this country who are in danger and in need of asylum. What would this say about a Country that turns back those that are most at risk and in peril? Let these two stay, and they are doing all the right things to become Citizens..... Americans are SO spoiled and judgmental....Many forget what their parents and grandparents had to do to come to America..
Slinger: After reading a lot of these comments I wonder if they all slept through civics class. But it's abundantly clear that they slept through American History class and never even ventured into a World History class.
Welcome to America kids! We're not all uneducated bigots.
hedward 1.2
great comeback thanks for the chuckle......................:)
our idiot problem with Cuba is this,, Cuba will throw off Communism within a year of the U.S., opening up trade with Cuba, we pushed Castro into the Communist block by trying to force him to give the mafia back all their holdings in Cuba; The Mafia kept Batista in power all those years, Castro was a nationalist at first, many Americans went to Cuba to fight along side of him (Errol Flynn, the best known), Cuba will become a tourist destination again, just as it was in the 1920-1956.
Just 2 more illegals who will exploit our countries resources for free health care and services when they can't make a living anymore. Send them back to Cuba.
She has hairy arms. No need to bring in haired armed women.
hedward Many people are stupid, we don't need stupid people.
Wrong comment on so many levels...let us just end our embargo on Cuba, normalize relationships with Cuba and end the charade of asylum. I really don't care what a bunch of self exiles in Little Havana want for themselves against the interest of the whole Country.
lol Somebody needs to tell them the movie shoot is over.
Well Liberals, I thought that Cuba's socialized medicine and it has fully spread the wealth around...
Isn't a Socialist Utopia enough to keep it's people in? The productive will always Flee Socialism and Communism, that's why the government puts up walls to keep it's people in...
Our current Democratic voters would just love to continue to live off the taxpayers dime... It's the productive that are held hostage.
Cuba doesn't have any wealth to spread around, thomas. It is a poor country. They are here for economic opportunity, NOT political asylum.
Only the ignorant would think Cuba is a communist state. it's a dictatorship in disguise.
Only the ignorant would think Cuba is not a communist dictatorship.
But won't they miss out on the Excellent Healthcare system in Cuba?
Of course they want to come to the USA, anyone with ambition and a dream wants to be successful, and you come here to give it all you got.
Assylum my Ass!!! They were not invited here! They are illegal aliens! Deport them! They are nobody special.
They're only illegal if they enter illegally. Seeking political asylum is quite legal.
Why should we close our borders to people who are fleeing oppression?
What oppression? They get a free education, free medical, and what does Castro ask for? Contribute what you can.
I feel sorry for the Cubans when the American Cubans return. They will kick the poor out of their homes to build hotels for the rich. The people they live there now will be allowed to go back to the area as maids and hookers. Again, Cuba will become a whore house to the rich and corrupt....all based out of Miami.
Seek another country for immigration we are full up.
It bugs me that Cubans get special consideration just because they are Cuban. There are countries with far more oppressive governments, but their people can just pop up here and claim political asylum.....
In addition, they will claim political asylum, but both of them say that they are looking for economic opportunity....rather hypocritical, no?
That is so true homesick Yank. You hit it on the nail. They come with the intent to get free food stamps, housing and insurance as they waite for their so call Assylum. Two years living of our backs. Everyone living in a third world country is in need of economic help but, not all are given the Cuban preferential treatment.
How much ignorance in this forum, you can't deport Cubans, there is a Cuban Adjust Act from 1962 that allows Cubans to stay legally in the US, read it. If you don't like it, you need to tell your House Representative to remove it.
Yeah just what we need 2 more. I suppose Obama will throw them a welcoming party at the White House and the Secret Service will provide the entertainment. All at the tax payers expense - No problem we the tax payers are accustomed to picking up the tab for this Socialist loser. How much did that African Safari your wife and kids go on cost us?
Well they are actors lets see how good they act! send them to Alabama fields there is a Job opportunity there , the illegal immigrants from Alabama or Georgia had left. lets see how much job are willing to do . I wonder if Marco Rubio will be happy to get a Job on Telemundo or Albama crops. and we will find how corrupt is Marco Rubio!
To make things fair and equal, I think all those leftist actors and actresses in Hollywood should seek asylum in Communist Cuba. I'm sure they would be very happy hanging out with the Party bosses, Fidel and Raul.
Some recent photos from Havana:
"See See Havana"
www.efn.org/~hkrieger/cuba.htm
They are leaving a simple life in a beautiful place to learn about capitalism here in our land of plenty of good ol US of A. Poor kids.
Don't feel sorry for them.. along with their freedom they will receive SOCIAL SECURITY MONEY (SSI)) AND OTHER BENIFITS!! Something you and I will pay for and probably never see in our life time.. AIN'T AMERICA GREAT?
if these two get to stay we should be able to give cuba a couple "stars" in return.....say....Kim K. and Justin beiber.....for instance
will somebody PLEASE turn on that damn "No Vacancy" sign..........................
Great! All I see is TWO MORE CUBAN REFUGEES COLLECTING MONEY UNDER SOCIAL SECURITIES SSI PROGRAM.. Welcome to America and here is were you sign up for your Federal benefits that include federal housing and health care benefits!! Courtesy of a very generous American Congress and the over taxed American public!! A Cubans freedom is NOT FREE FOR THE AMERICAN WORKER!! Thanks Washington!
Maybe they didn't agree with Michael Moore about how great their healthcare system is down there in Cuba...and thought ours was better.
Therer seems to be some confusion on this thread about US immigration policy. Which is odd since it's really very simple.
If you are escaping econimic devastation caused by rampant crony capitalism and a failed Reactionary political model, you are an illegal alien.
If you are escaping economic devastation caused by crony communism and a failed Stalinist political model, you are a political refugee.
Notice too how the reactionaries on this thread have no problem differentiating between privileged American show business personalities, whose opinions on social justice and politics are clearly to be derided or ignored, and privileged Cuban show business personalities, whose opinions on those same subjects are clearly irrefutable.
Anybody besides me wonder why the guy who accepted the award isn't defecting? Maybe because unlike the shallow flavor-of-the-day lovers who stayed, he's serious about making a difference?
We can send them Michael Moore in exchange.
Javier Nunez has an earring, a gold chain and a wrist watch. This must be the new fashion for the politically persecuted. He looks pretty darn well fed too as does she. End the Cuban National Adjustment Act now!! It's a charade. Why didn't Obama do it when the dems controlled both houses? That would have been the kind of change that would have earned Obama my vote. I voted for him the first time. I won't vote for him again. I have been a lifelong Democrat (54 years). My number one issue is immigration and its negative impact on this country. I will vote for Romney on this issue alone. Good bye to the one-term Obama.
TO THOSE WHO SUPPORT FIDEL CASTRO & HUGO CHAVEZ....
Why is it that we NEVER hear stories of Americans that "Escaped" at the Sporting Event and asked for asylum in Cuba?