DC Shorts - Prince of Smoke
Cuban tobacco farmer and artisanal cigar maker, Hirochi Robaina, fights to bring in the harvest and preserve an over 171-year old family legacy.
Interview with Director Matthew Gelb
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you and thanks for having me on this great forum. At first, I made this film as an excuse to go to Cuba! I also wanted to shine a light on the artistry that goes into making the world’s most renowned cigars. However, as I delved deeper and met Hirochi Robaina, I realized there was so much more there than just great cigars. A lot of people have preconceived notions about Cuba, and this film touches on the grasp of the government, in addition to the challenges of climate change.
But at the heart of it, I made this film because it tells an emotional, personal story that audiences can relate to. The connection between Hirochi and his grandfather is similar to the one I shared with my own. Both our grandfathers were visionary leaders in their respective fields (mine was a famous newspaper man) that worked their way up from the bottom to the top. They always believed in us and pushed us to fulfill our potential. This theme of love, admiration, and respect for one's grandfather, and the importance of family and tradition, is a core part of the film and a message that I would like to share with the world.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film to be transported to the legendary Robaina farm in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. You will learn about Hirochi’s special relationship with his grandfather and what goes into crafting the best cigars in the world.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Family, love, and tradition are big themes in this film. Also, the idea of always striving to perfect your craft is illustrated here. Hirochi faces new challenges every year and must remember the guidance of his grandfather, in addition to growing as an individual in order to prevail.
The dangers of climate change are also touched on in this film. Hirochi is faced with a more challenging harvest because of climate change, and I hope that this theme helps spread more awareness on the issue.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The story evolved gradually as I spent more time with Hirochi on the farm and met with his family and team there. The tobacco harvest ended up being an exciting challenge that ultimately helped to structure the edit.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I’m thrilled to share that the film has been received extremely well so far and is fast becoming a cult classic in the cigar world. The poster was unveiled at the big annual cigar convention, IPCPR, in Las Vegas recently to much fan attention. The film has won 4 awards so far, including a Gold Remi Award and the Audience Choice Award for the HollyShorts Monthly Screening.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has inspired me to make more documentaries!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
It's an honor to be featured on "We Are Moving Stories" and I hope that its fan base will be interested in seeing my film as it continues to play the festival circuit.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'm hoping to spread enough word about the film so that it lands on Netflix or with one of the best short film distributors. The film will continue playing festivals until summer 2018.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I’ve been thrilled with the current impact and reception of the film so far. Audience members often come up to me after the screening to say how moved they were by Hirochi and his family story. Also, people are surprised to learn how much artistry goes into crafting a great cigar, which is something that I hope to share with more people all over the world!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What goes into the art of making the best cigars in the world? How has the Robaina family legacy lasted this long?
Would you like to add anything else?
I’d just like to say how honored I feel to have been able to make this film and tell Hirochi’s personal story. I’m truly humbled by the generosity of the Robaina family to let me into their lives and capture the significance of the relationship between Hirochi and his legendary grandfather, Alejandro.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m hoping to direct a feature documentary that tells the compelling personal story of a great innovative musician or DJ, as I’m a serious music lover and even like to scratch on turntables for fun. At this point, I am in talks with various artists and narrowing down who my next subject will be.
Interview: September 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
_______________________________________________________________________________
PRINCE OF SMOKE
Cuban tobacco farmer and artisanal cigar maker, Hirochi Robaina, fights to bring in the harvest and preserve an over 171-year old family legacy.
Length: 24min
Director: Matthew Gelb
Producer: David Gelb
About the writer, director and producer: Matthew Gelb is an award winning documentary director, editor, and producer from NYC. David Gelb is the internationally acclaimed director/producer of "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" and "Chef's Table".
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): best distribution offer, more journalists, producers for future documentaries
Social media handles:
Facebook:@thecigarmovie
Twitter: @cigarmovie
Instagram: PRINCEOFSMOKEMOVIE
Other: The films website is princeofsmokemovie.com.
Director's website is mattgelb.com
Where can I see it in the next month?
New Orleans Film Festival