Body : Both journalists, united professionally and in life, did not hide during their dialogue with Prensa Latina at the end of the screening of Driving Towards Change (in English), their love for the island, which they visited for the first time in the process shooting.
The audiovisual tells a particular story, but one that could be inserted in the broader scope of the issue of ties between the United States and Cuba.
Peter and Pam McNeil recreate scenes from Havana and talk about the efforts put in for years by John Felder, an Afro-American businessman who has expanded his automotive business in the Caribbean area, who recently obtained the first license in decades from the Department of Commerce to export electric vehicles to Cuba.
Felder obtained permission to start these operations with his company Premier Automotive Export Ltd.
His dream of promoting the use of renewable energy on the island and improving the existence of his people, which has collided with the restrictions imposed by the United States blockade, was the focus of the story of the Mac Neils, executive producers of A Brighter Path. productions.
“When we went and saw the beautiful people, the beautiful country, we were welcomed, so we really enjoyed making the documentary and just being able to go and enjoy the people,” said Peter McNeil.
“We feel embraced there (in Cuba),” stressed his wife Pamela “Pam” when highlighting the way in which people on the island express pride in their country, their culture, “it was an incredible experience.”
The two agreed that the economic challenges that the Cuban people are experiencing “do not let that take away their joy,” in Pam’s opinion, while Peter affirmed that despite everything, Cubans “continue with their lives and make the best of the situation that has touched them”.
They thanked this first trip that was educational, they said, and especially Felder who urged them to materialize the project.
“The Government of the United States has always wanted the Cuban people to suffer,” Pamela pointed out when expressing her hope that the “relationship improves, for more trade opening between the two countries.”
Peter noted that it was his wife who suggested “Driving for change” as the title of the audiovisual, “because we need change.”
“It’s time for people to come together, it’s time for countries to come together, okay? And whatever we can do here for Cuba, you know, what I’m saying, we have to do it. Felder is planting a seed. We are optimistic that he will lead this change, ”he emphasized.
Eager for the first electric car to roll through the streets of Cuba, the journalists praised the privileged country for its weather conditions throughout the year.
The premiere of Leading to Change was attended by businessmen, friends and family of Felder, and featured an excellent performance by jazzman Chuck Holden (vocals).
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