Technical specifications: Calvo Gainza, D. (director) (2024). Albores del budismo en Cuba [Documentary]. Fundación Dharma-Gaia and Buddhistdoor en Español (producers). 69 minutes. Havana, Cuba.
We are pleased to announce the imminent premiere of the documentary Albores del budismo en Cuba, a virtual event that will take place on March 28, 2024. This production is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG), the digital magazine Buddhistdoor en Español (BDE) and Dr. Douglas Calvo Gainza, who has contributed his talent as scriptwriter, director and presenter. This premiere is part of the activities of the Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism (RIEB), sponsored by FD-G and supported by BDE, and will be broadcast live from Argentina and Mexico.
The documentary responds to a deep commitment on the part of FDG, BDE and Dr. Calvo Gaínza to research and explore the influences of Buddhism in Cuba's rich culture, marking a significant milestone in the cultural and spiritual dissemination of Buddhism on the island. Dr. Calvo Gainza's meticulous four-year effort has revealed how Buddhism has taken root on the island, intertwining with its art, literature and other artistic expressions, thus providing a holistic perspective on its impact on Cuban society. This work, which has transcended academia, offers a window into the understanding of cultural and religious syncretism and the flourishing of spiritual practices in Cuba.
Albores del budismo en Cuba examines the history of Buddhism in Cuba, from the Chinese influence with the initial migration in 1847 to its current expansion and evolution. It highlights the integration of Mahāyāna Buddhism with local culture, including syncretism with Christianity and Yoruba religions. Analyzes how geographical and cultural factors fostered this religious fusion, resulting in a diverse Buddhist practice that includes variants such as Zen and Tibetan. Spiritual leaders have played a key role in establishing communities of practice, especially since the late 1980s. Despite being a minority, Cuban Buddhists have shown tenacity in the face of socioeconomic challenges, creating groups dedicated to teaching the Dharma, focusing on meditation and compassion.
On the day of the event, we will witness an intimate conversation between Dr. Calvo Gainza and Mexican anthropologist Ezer R. May May, who will serve as host and conductor of the event. After a brief presentation, together they will explore the central themes of the documentary, followed by an interactive session where viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions and deepen the dialogue. The screening of the documentary will be the centerpiece of the day, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the experience.
Equivalent broadcast schedules in some Spanish-speaking countries:
- In Mexico: from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- In Costa Rica: from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- In Colombia: from 12:00 to 14:00 hours.
- In Ecuador: from 12:00 to 14:00 hours.
- In Peru: from 12:00 to 14:00 hours.
- In Cuba: from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
- In Venezuela: from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
- In Bolivia: from 13:00 to 15:00 hours.
- In Argentina: from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- In Chile: from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- In Brazil (Brasilia area): from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- In Uruguay: from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- In Puerto Rico: from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- In Spain: from 18:00 to 20:00 hours.
To secure your place at this unique event, we urge you to pre-register as soon as possible. By clicking here you will find the link to the Zoom meeting.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Douglas Calvo Gaínza (Havana, 1970) has a PhD with concentration in Theology from the Graduate Theological Foundation (USA) and SET of Cuba (2019). He is currently pursuing his second doctorate, this time in Philosophical Thought at the University of Havana, where - combining his philosophical studies with the philological studies received in his Master's Degree in Philology and Classical Translation (U.H., 2004), and with his work as a Greco-Latinist translator - he is an Assistant Professor in the discipline of History of Philosophy.
Calvo is a researcher of the religious phenomenon, having completed two master's degrees on this specialty (Sciences of Religions at SET, 2014; Social and Philosophical Studies on Religion at the University of Havana, 2019). He is part of the multidisciplinary team of studies on religion in the Department of Socioreligious Studies of the Center for Psychological and Sociological Research (CIPS).
Calvo has written for different platforms on topics of religion or philosophy (such as the Anuario del Centro de Estudios Martianos en Cuba or others). Particularly interested in Buddhism and a regular contributor to Buddhistdoor en Español, he is a runner-up in the Teresa de Jesús and Interreligious Dialogue 2022 International Award sponsored by CITeS (Avila, Spain) and a participant in the compendium of Buddhist Studies in Latin America and Spain published by the Spanish University Rovira I Virgili.
ABOUT EZER R MAY MAY
Ezer Roboam May May, born in Yucatan, Mexico, in 1990, is a distinguished scholar with a B.A. in Social Anthropology from the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, an M.A. in History and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in History at the Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social. His research focuses on religion and beliefs, with a particular focus on Protestantism among indigenous peoples and Buddhism in Mexico. He has disseminated his research through publications in academic journals and journalistic and outreach platforms.
Recognized as a pioneer in the social and historical study of Buddhism in Mexico, Ezer May May has contributed significantly to the field of the social sciences of religion and belief. His studies on Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai lay movement have been widely published. In addition, he has contributed his knowledge to key encyclopedias and dictionaries on religion in Latin America.
With Mayan roots, he has also stood out for his activism in defense of indigenous rights. He is an active member of the Network of Researchers of the Religious Phenomenon in Mexico, of the coordinating committee of the Seminar History of the Evangelical World in Latin America under the auspices of the CIESAS graduate program, and of the Association of Latin American and Caribbean Historians, which underscores his commitment to the study and defense of cultural and religious diversity in the region.
The Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism (RIEB) is a scientific and cooperative community whose general mission is to bring together academics whose work focuses on research, teaching and dissemination of the study of Buddhism from the perspective of Buddhist studies, social sciences and humanities. The IBEN is non-political, non-partisan and non-denominational.
The Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG) is a private, non-profit cultural organization, registered in the Registre de Fundacions de Catalunya, Spain, established for the preservation, teaching and dissemination of Buddhist culture. FDG is a non-sectarian entity, which strives to promote a vision of the Buddhadharma that includes all Buddhist traditions. To fulfill its mission, FDG promotes educational activities such as academic courses, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, publication of books and documentaries, film festivals and contributes content to the digital platform Buddhistdoor en Español (BDE).
March 28 will be a day to dive into the history and presence of Buddhism in Cuba. This documentary is not only an investigative and cinematographic achievement; it is a bridge to the understanding of how a millenary philosophy can coexist and flourish within a cultural context as diverse as the Cuban one. We are very pleased to be able to share with you this work that not only illuminates a lesser known aspect of the Cuban religious landscape, but also celebrates the diversity and richness of the human spirit.
Join us to discover together the beginnings of Buddhism on the vibrant island of Cuba!
We await you with open arms in this virtual meeting, where together we will be able to appreciate and reflect on the rich cultural tapestria that "Albores del Budismo en Cuba" promises to unveil.
Various links:
Articles by Dr. Calvo published in BDE:
"The nectar of his words greens the spring". Report on Bhikkhu Mihita's recent visit to Havana.
Vesak 2023 in Cuba. The Buddha visits Havana
Buddhism and Cuban culture (I): Severo Sarduy, a dharmic Lezamian
The Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism (RIEB)
