(A bit later than planned — here’s what August looked like.)
August was the month a lot of open questions closed. The script is locked, and we opened a direct ask for the first time. Here’s what happened.
The Script Is Locked
After months of drafts, professional coverage, and Meilín’s historical notes tightening every island-specific detail, the script for El Pinero is officially locked. No more open questions, no more structural changes, just the version we’re shooting in December.
Our Biggest Push for Support
On August 9, our “Meet the Filmmakers” video went live on YouTube, featuring the team, Ava, Meilín, Gabriel, and myself, along with historian Michael Neagle, walking through what the film is, why it matters, and what a donation actually funds. It’s the most complete picture of the project we’ve put out so far.
If you haven’t watched it yet, take five minutes. And if you have, we’d love it if you shared it, that’s genuinely one of the most useful things you can do for us right now.
That kicked off a big push for financial support: an ask for what a shoot like this actually costs. Travel and logistics for a December shoot on Cuba’s Isle of Youth. Local Cuban crew hired through Meilín’s network. Camera and sound gear. The permissions and groundwork it takes to film there legally as an American production. None of it is padding.
We also opened donor incentives for the first time. Give $25 or more and you get a set of El Pinero stickers, first batch limited. Give $75 or more and you get the Island Care Package: the stickers plus a real souvenir sourced from Isla de la Juventud itself, also limited and first come, first served. Stickers are already going out to donors, and the island souvenirs ship once production wraps.
We raised $923.10 from 11 donors. Thank you to everyone who gave!
Save the Date: October 10
We’re holding our first live fundraising event for El Pinero on Saturday, October 10, from 12 to 1pm at Burns Court Cinema in Sarasota. More details to come as we lock them in, but mark the date if you’re in the area.
Still Looking for Cole
We’re still searching for the actor to play Cole, the lead role in El Pinero: an American who travels to Isla de la Juventud after his father’s death to find his grandfather’s grave, and ends up uncovering a piece of history he never knew was his. Self-tapes have started coming in and we’re working through them now. We’re looking at actors roughly mid-20s to mid-30s. Travel to Cuba will be necessary for the December shoot, so availability matters, and some Spanish is preferred though not required.
If that’s you, or you know someone who might be right for it, reach out at elpinerofilm@gmail.com.
Calling Local Businesses: Become a Sponsor
We’re also opening things up to local businesses who want to back the film. Sponsorship tiers run from $250 to $2,000, with benefits like logo placement, credit in the film, screening invitations, and a dedicated video spotlight for your business depending on the level. Full details are at elpinerofilm.com/sponsor.
If you know a business that might be a fit, an introduction goes a long way: elpinerofilm@gmail.com.
How You Can Help
Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at @cubaxfilm. And if you’re able to give, donations are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions. Every bit gets us closer to a December shoot.
— Robert