Welcome Gary Lennon:
We’re joined on the Starline by an Irish director and an award winning documentary producer. You might have seen his first feature “A Doctor’s Sword” on a trained Irish doctor who survived the atomic bomb in Nagasaki. His latest film talks about the unofficial Cuban civil war. We welcome Gary Lennon.
Gary, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’re a story teller. You’ve told “Piano Dreams” and a “Doctor’s Sword”. Why was “Castro’s Spies” needed to be told?
You had unrestricted access to the Cuban Film Institute’s Archive. How did this access help you?
As you started to review the facts from both sides of the Straits of Florida, what did you discover?
Which of the Cuban 5 had the story you didn’t think you would follow but as you unraveled it had the most intrigue?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Typical breakfast for you?
2. Favorite movie director growing up?
3. Favorite movie director now?
4. You’ve been to Shanghai, Ireland, Europe and Cuba for work. Where do you like to vacation?
5. Class you enjoyed the most at University College Dublin?
6. Guinness or Harp?
7. Will Ireland win the Six Nations in 2023?
8. Best Smirnoff Ice flavor is?
One Big Question:
How do you believe history will treat the Cuban Five?
You’ve seen the people, this time capsule that Havana is. What’s so amazing about Cuba?
What’s your next project and where can people find you?
The Wrap:
The movie is “Castro’s Spies” We thank director Gary Lennon for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.
Watch the trailer for “Castro’s Spies” from Gary Lennon:
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with directors here.
