For Afro-Cuban educator and film enthusiast Dr Reinaldo Barroso-Spech, cinema is more than just entertainment—it’s a universal language that fosters cross-cultural connections, ignites curiosity and allows audiences to find common ground through shared experiences.
Growing up in Cuba, where diverse stories were scarce on the silver screen, Barroso-Spech found inspiration in films like the Cuban drama Maluala and the American classic Carmen Jones, both of which exposed him to the multilayered narratives of the Black diaspora. These films became a source of education and empowerment, shaping his lifelong passion for storytelling.
“Films are food for thought,” he told Columbia Neighbors. “Sometimes, we don’t realize how much our ideas about people and things come from the films we’ve watched. The transformational power of film is undeniable.”
Amplifying Black Stories Through the African Diaspora International Film Festival
Determined to champion culturally relevant films, Barroso-Spech and his wife Diarah N’Daw-Spech co-founded the African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) in Harlem nearly 33 years ago through their company, ArtMattan Productions. Their mission: to spotlight the human condition and celebrate diverse storytelling across the African Diaspora.
As part of their Films in the Classroom project, ADIFF is hosting a Black History Month-inspired film series at Teachers College from February 28 through March 2. The three-day event will feature poignant films exploring themes of history, justice, identity, and innovation.
A Lifetime of Cinema and Cultural Reflection
Barroso-Spech recalls that his earliest exposure to representation in cinema came during Cuba’s cultural evolution in the 1960s, a time when the country sought a more inclusive portrayal of its racial diversity.
“One of the films that impacted me is Maluala, directed by Sergio Giral, about the history of the Maroons in Cuba,” he shared. “It reflected many of us but also gave us a lot to think about regarding how descendants of Africans lived in other countries throughout Latin America.”
Another film that shaped his perspective on cinema’s power was Camp de Thiaroye by legendary Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembène. The film, which depicts the massacre of African WWII soldiers in France, underscored the global connections of the African Diaspora.
From the Classroom to a Global Movement
The idea for ADIFF was born in the classroom. As a language educator, Barroso-Spech used films to teach cultural awareness to students in New York City’s public schools and later in higher education at Teachers College, Columbia University.
“What I had started in the classroom and communicated with my wife blossomed into an idea based on the lack of diverse images we saw in New York City during the ’90s,” he explained.
Initially, the couple aimed to create an arthouse theatre dedicated to independent films, but when funding obstacles arose, they pivoted to organizing a film festival instead. Since then, ADIFF has expanded beyond Harlem, hosting festivals in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Paris while maintaining its core mission of putting diversity front and centre.
Curating Black History Month Through Film
For this year’s Black History Month film series, Barroso-Spech and his team curated a lineup that reflects key moments in history. Highlights include:
- Fighting for Respect: African Americans in WWI – A rare documentary about Black soldiers in the First World War.
- San Juan Hill: Manhattan’s Lost Neighborhood – A film by renowned documentarian Stanley Nelson Jr., exploring gentrification in New York City.
- Attica – Another Stanley Nelson Jr. documentary, chronicling one of the most tragic prison uprisings in U.S. history.
- Gurumbe: Afro-Andalusian Memories – A documentary tracing African influences in Flamenco music.
- Teddy Pendergrass: If You Don’t Know Me – A look at the impact of rhythm and blues through the life of the late music icon.
“We consider Black History Month a moment of reflection,” said Barroso-Spech. “We want to revisit important chapters in history and make connections.”
Championing Independent Filmmakers
A key mission of ADIFF is to uplift independent filmmakers, whose work often tackles themes commercial cinema overlooks or censors.
“Independent filmmakers have a sensibility that isn’t always present in mainstream films,” Barroso-Spech noted. “They tell stories that might not otherwise be told.”
Through ADIFF, he ensures that thought-provoking, high-quality independent films receive the recognition they deserve.
Harlem’s Influence on ADIFF
Harlem has played a pivotal role in ADIFF’s growth. Barroso-Spech and his wife live in the neighbourhood, and their work remains deeply connected to the community.
“We didn’t start ADIFF to distance ourselves from the people we believe are the natural recipients of this work,” he said. “We want to stay connected.”
What’s Next for ADIFF?
Beyond Black History Month, ADIFF has a busy calendar ahead, including:
- A Women’s History Month series covering topics from historical trailblazers to reproductive rights.
- The 22nd annual ADIFF Chicago Festival in June at the arthouse theater FACETS.
- The New York City ADIFF Festival this fall, followed by editions in Washington, D.C., and Paris.
Additionally, Barroso-Spech and his team will continue scouting emerging talent at global film festivals to bring fresh, impactful stories to audiences.
As ADIFF prepares for its next chapter, Barroso-Spech remains dedicated to his lifelong mission—using cinema as a bridge between cultures, a platform for marginalized voices, and a catalyst for change.
Source: Columbia Neighbors
