For the First Time

For the First Time (1969)

*** (out of 4)

This here is a rather interesting 9-minute short from director Octavio Cortazar who takes a camera to a remote village to show people a motion picture for the first time. We start off by seeing the truck that is going to take the director, his crew and the equipment around and then we see the people from the villagers and get their reaction from seeing Chaplin's MODERN TIMES. This here is certainly a rather unique and fun short that gives the viewer a rare glimpse at some people and an even rarer chance to see their reaction to seeing a movie for the first time. As a film buff you can't help but wonder what it must be like for some of the adults to see a movie for the first time ever and their reactions are quite memorable to say the least.

This gorgeous little (10 minutes long) Gem of a film is to be found on the double disc DVD of MODERN TIMES, released by MK2/Warner Bros.

(The COMPLETE Charles Chaplin Box from them is recommended vehemently. Great transfers of Charlie's marvelous films, and glorious extra's, about the Tramp, Sir Chaplin, and the age it all was created. And more !!)

MODERN TIMES is the feature film that mobile movie theaters in Cuba tries to get to everyone, even if it means going to the remotest areas of the country.

Mounted on a truck with a little generator, is a 16mm projector, a 'silver' screen and a moderate sound system, and off the operator goes, driving his truck for 21 days in a row, giving showings of MODERN TIMES every midday and night in all villages it can reach.

This film is so beautiful, so full of love and honest curiosity, it is simply breathtaking.

Cuba is a mixed bag in public opinion for decades now. Long forgotten is that dictator Castro's first order was to fight illiteracy in his country... These moving cinema houses seems to be a logical step after that.

Yet it is so hauntingly beautiful to see a village flock together before a screen and see their very first motion picture. The true emotions, the genuine laughter. Wow !

Here we can see what Magic motion pictures really are...