by Clarke Fountain
synopsis
This documentary explores the mechanisms of Castro's control over everyday life in Cuba via the medium of an important show-trial which took place in 1989. The victim of the trial was a revered hero of the revolution who had the effrontery to gather with other similarly influential people and express some discontent with the progress of the regime. He was secretly being recorded, and not long after that, he and the others present were accused of drug trafficking, and was swiftly convicted in a short, public trial. At that trial, every one of the accused calmly confessed to all the charges and expressed their repentance for "betraying the Fatherland and the Revolution," thereby undoubtedly winning some concessions for their families.
