‘Here Was Cuba’, an entirely Irish produced documentary on the Cuban Missile Crisis, has come through a shortlist of 92 films to be nominated for a prestigious Grierson Award in the category of ‘Best Historical Documentary’.
The film, directed by Emer Reynolds and John Murray and produced by Crossing The Line Productions, tells the harrowing inside story of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the turmoil that Kennedy, Khrushchev and Castro found themselves embroiled in as the world teetered on the brink of nuclear holocaust. This is achieved through key in depth interviews with insiders and experts such as Nikita Khrushchev’s son Sergei and Ted Sorenson, who was President Kennedy’s most trusted advisor.
Now in its 42nd year, the highly regarded Grierson Awards recognise and celebrate documentaries from Britain and abroad that make a significant contribution to the genre and that demonstrate, quality, integrity, creativity and overall excellence.
Speaking after the nomination, director and editor Emer Reynolds, who has already won an IFTA for Best Editing for her work in the film, said, ‘John and I are absolutely delighted and honoured that ‘Here Was Cuba’ has been nominated for this most prestigious award, and are humbled to be among such talent as our fellow nominees. It is a tribute to our whole wonderful and committed team, who worked so hard to bring this story to the screen’.
'Here was Cuba’ was produced in association with the Irish Film Board, America’s Public Broadcasting System PBS and Section 481 Irish Government Tax Incentive.
It was directed by John Murray and Emer Reynolds, with Reynolds doubling as editor for the film. Producers were John Murray and Siobhan Ward while the DOP was Kate McCullough. The music was provided by Ray Harman.
