In 1978, while in Cuba during the 11th World Festival of Youth and Students, I had the opportunity to see a powerful film from the so-called New Cuban Cinema. It was "The Brigadista" (1977) by director Octavio Cortázar. The film tells the story of a young Cuban literacy teacher who distinguished himself in a rural village near Playa Girón in 1961. The figure of the brigadista—that is, the volunteer capable of assuming responsibilities in order to achieve a goal that improves the living conditions of a community, whether it be teaching reading, providing healthcare, or spreading joy—is one of the noblest tasks that Cuban internationalism has practiced as a cornerstone of its revolution.
Following the double earthquake on June 24th in Venezuela, numerous volunteer efforts have supported the tireless work of the national government in assisting the victims of the tragedy. These beautiful demonstrations, driven by love and solidarity, have been far removed from the limelight and the... likesAmong this army of hope are the nineteen Artistic Brigades of Unearte, formed to serve 11 temporary camps in Caracas and 2 in Miranda. 179 volunteers, including students, teachers, administrative staff, workers, and honorary professors, designed a plan to provide everything from psychophysical care to healing strategies through dance, theater, music, visual arts, circus arts, crafts, and audiovisual media.
Through a psychosocial workshop mediated by the arts, these volunteers acquired the necessary training to undertake the task of rebuilding the souls shattered by the earthquake. They are the brigades responsible for confronting the worst enemies of rebirth: hopelessness, anger, and defeatism.
