Fact sheet: Calvo Gainza, D. (director). (2024). Dawn of Buddhism in Cuba [Documentary]. Dharma-Gaia Foundation and Buddhistdoor in Spanish (producers). 69 minutes. Havana, Cuba.
We are pleased to announce the imminent premiere of the documentary Dawn of Buddhism in Cuba, a virtual event that will take place on March 28, 2024. This production is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FD-G), the digital magazine Buddhistdoor in Spanish (BDE) and Dr. Douglas Calvo Gainza, who has contributed his talent as a screenwriter, director and presenter. This premiere is part of the activities of the Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism (RIEB), is sponsored by FD-G and supported by the BDE, and will be broadcast live from Argentina and Mexico.
The documentary responds to a deep commitment on the part of the FDG, BDE and Dr. Calvo Gaínza to research and explore the influences of Buddhism on the rich Cuban culture, marking a significant milestone in the cultural and spiritual dissemination of Buddhism on the island. Dr. Calvo Gainza's meticulous four-year effort has revealed how Buddhism has taken root on the island, intertwined with its art, literature and other artistic expressions, thus providing a holistic perspective on its impact on Cuban society. This work, which has transcended the academic field, offers a window into understanding cultural and religious syncretism and the flourishing of spiritual practices in Cuba.
Dawn of Buddhism in Cuba examines the history of Buddhism in Cuba, from the Chinese influence with the initial migration in 1847 to its current expansion and evolution. The integration of Mahāyāna Buddhism with local culture stands out, including syncretism with Christianity and Yoruba religions. It analyzes how geographical and cultural factors fostered this religious fusion, resulting in a diverse Buddhist practice that includes variants such as Zen and Tibetan. Spiritual leaders have played a key role in establishing communities of practice, especially since the late 1980s. Despite being a minority, Cuban Buddhists have shown tenacity in the face of socio-economic challenges, creating groups dedicated to teaching the Dharma, focused on meditation and compassion.
On the day of the event, we will witness an intimate conversation between Dr. Calvo Gainza and the Mexican anthropologist Ezer R. May May, who will host and host the event. After a short presentation, together they will explore the central themes of the documentary, followed by an interactive session where viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions and deepen the dialogue. The screening of the documentary will be the centerpiece of the day, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the experience.
Equivalent broadcast times in some Spanish-speaking countries:
— In Mexico: from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
— In Costa Rica: from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
— In Colombia: from 12:00 to 14:00 hours.
— In Ecuador: from 12:00 to 14:00 hours.
— In Peru: from 12:00 to 14:00 hours.
— In Cuba: from 12:00 to 14:00
— In Venezuela: from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
— In Bolivia: from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
— In Argentina: from 14:00 to 16:00 hours.
— In Chile: from 14:00 to 16:00 hours.
— In Brazil (Brasilia area): from 14:00 to 16:00 hours.
— In Uruguay: from 14:00 to 16:00 hours.
— In Puerto Rico: from 13:00 to 15:00
— In Spain: from 18:00 to 20:00.
To secure your place at this unique event, we urge you to pre-register as soon as possible. Clicking hither they will find the link to the Zoom meeting.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Douglas Calvo Gaínza (Havana, 1970) has a PhD with a concentration in Theology from the Graduate Theological Foundation (USA) and from the SET of Cuba (2019). He is currently pursuing his second doctorate, this time in Philosophical Thought from the University of Havana, where — combining his philosophical studies with the philological studies received in his Master's Degree in Philology and Classical Tradition (U.H., 2004), and with his work as a Greco-Latinist translator — he serves as Assistant Professor in the discipline of History of Philosophy.
Calvo is a researcher of the religious phenomenon, having completed two master's degrees in this specialty (Science of Religions of the SET, 2014; Social and Philosophical Studies on Religion from the University of Havana, 2019). He is part of the multidisciplinary team for studies on religion in the Department of Socio-religious Studies of the Center for Psychological and Sociological Research (CIPS).
Calvo has written for different platforms on topics of religion or philosophy (such as the Yearbook of the Center for Martian Studies in Cuba or others). Particularly interested in Buddhism and a regular contributor to Buddhistdoor in Spanish, he is the runner-up winner of the 2022 Teresa de Jesús International Prize and Interreligious Dialogue sponsored by CITES (Avila, Spain) and a participant in the compendium of Buddhist Studies in Latin America and Spain published by the Spanish University Rovira I Virgili.
ABOUT EZER R MAY MAY
Ezer Roboam May May, born in Yucatán, Mexico, in 1990, is a distinguished academic with a degree in Social Anthropology from the Autonomous University of Yucatán, a master's degree in History and is currently a doctoral candidate in History from the Center for Research and Higher Studies in Social Anthropology. His research focuses on religion and beliefs, with a particular focus on Protestantism among indigenous peoples and Buddhism in Mexico. He has disseminated his research through publications in academic journals and journalism and outreach platforms.
Recognized as a pioneer in the social and historical study of Buddhism in Mexico, Ezer May May has significantly contributed to the field of the social sciences of religion and belief. His studies on Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai lay movement have been widely published. In addition, he has contributed his knowledge to encyclopedias and key dictionaries on religion in Latin America.
With Mayan roots, he has also stood out for his activism in defense of indigenous rights. He is an active member of the Network of Researchers on Religious Phenomenon in Mexico, of the coordinating committee of the Seminar on the History of the Evangelical World in Latin America under the sponsorship of the CIESAS postgraduate program, and of the Association of Latin American and Caribbean Historians, which underlines his commitment to the study and defense of cultural and religious diversity in the region.
The Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism (RIEB) It is a scientific and cooperative community whose general mission is academic @s whose work focuses on research, teaching and the dissemination of the study of Buddhism from the perspective of Buddhist studies, social sciences and the humanities. The RIEB has no political, partisan or confessional character.
The Dharma-Gaia Foundation (FDG) is a private, non-profit cultural organization registered in the Registre de Fundacions de Catalunya, Spain, established for the conservation, teaching and dissemination of Buddhist culture. FDG is a non-sectarian entity, which strives to promote a vision of Buddhadharma that includes all Buddhist traditions. To fulfill its mission, the FDG promotes educational activities such as academic courses, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, publication of books and documentaries, film festivals and provides content to the digital platform Buddhistdoor in Spanish (BDE).
March 28 will be a day to immerse yourself in the history and presence of Buddhism in Cuba. This documentary is not only a research and cinematographic achievement; it is a bridge to understanding how an ancient philosophy can coexist and flourish within a cultural context as diverse as the Cuban one. We are very pleased to be able to share with you this work, which not only illuminates a lesser-known aspect of the Cuban religious landscape, but also celebrates the diversity and richness of the human spirit.
Join us to discover together the dawn of Buddhism on the vibrant island of Cuba!
We are waiting for you with open arms at this virtual meeting, where together we can appreciate and reflect on the rich cultural tapestry that “Dawn of Buddhism in Cuba” promises to reveal.
Miscellaneous links:
Articles by Dr. Calvo published in BDE:
“The nectar of his words greens spring.” Report on Bhikkhu Mihita's recent visit to Havana
Vesak 2023 in Cuba. The Buddha visits Havana
Buddhism and Cuban Culture (I): Severo Sarduy, a Dharmic Lezamian
The Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism (RIEB)
