Documentary Spotlight: *Naranjo*—The Exile and Art of Orlando González Naranjo Premieres at Miami Film Festival

By Lila Roberts

MIAMI, May 18, 2026—In a powerful fusion of art and autobiography, the documentary Naranjo—directed by Cuban filmmaker Jorge Soliño—premieres this Friday, May 22, at Miami Dade College’s Koubek Center as part of the Miami Film Festival’s Cuban Cinema Series. The film reexamines the life and work of Orlando González Naranjo, a self-taught Cuban painter whose exile and artistic resilience offer a poignant meditation on displacement, nostalgia and the transformative power of creativity.

An Artist’s Journey: From Cuba to the Canvas

Born in Calabazar de Sagua, Las Villas, Cuba, in 1937, González Naranjo emigrated to the United States in 1984, driven by the hope that artistic success would allow him to travel the world and, one day, return to his homeland. His body of work—deeply rooted in memory and longing—serves as both a refuge and a testament to survival. The documentary explores how his paintings, imbued with vibrant colors and haunting expressions, evoke the faces of his lost land: peasant women with “large, unfathomable eyes,” rural landscapes, and national symbols that speak to the uprootedness of exile.

As critic Reinaldo Arenas once observed, *”A painting by Naranjo is an invitation that entices.”* The film delves into this invitation, tracing how González Naranjo’s art became his only homeland after losing physical access to Cuba. His works have been exhibited alongside renowned Cuban masters such as Wifredo Lam, Amelia Peláez, Mario Carreño, and Gina Pellón, and his pieces now reside in private collections across Spain, the United States, Poland, and Venezuela.

Behind the Film: A Collaboration of Art and Cinema

Naranjo is a meticulously crafted homage to both artist and subject. The documentary’s score was composed by Omar Hernández, while Mario García-Montes contributed animation, and Raúl “El Yuca” Gutiérrez captured archival images of Calabazar de Sagua. Post-production was handled by Rafael Hernández, ensuring the film’s visual and emotional depth.

Following the premiere, director Jorge Soliño and artist Orlando González Naranjo will engage in a post-screening conversation, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into the creative process and personal journey that inspired the film.

Cuban Cinema Series: A Celebration of Culture and Resilience

Founded in 1993 and directed by filmmaker and critic Alejandro Ríos, the Cuban Cinema Series at Miami Dade College is a cornerstone of the Miami Film Festival, presenting free screenings year-round that celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Cuban film. The series serves as both a cultural bridge and a platform for stories that resonate with diasporic communities worldwide.

The screening of Naranjo will be presented in Spanish with English subtitles. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. The Koubek Center, located at 2705 SW 3rd St., Miami, offers free parking for attendees.

Why This Film Matters

Naranjo is more than a documentary about an artist—it’s a story of human fragility and artistic defiance. In an era where borders and identities are increasingly fluid, González Naranjo’s work reminds us that art can be both a mirror and a map, reflecting the past while guiding us toward an uncertain future. For audiences in Miami and beyond, the film offers a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of personal history and universal themes.

As the Miami Film Festival continues to highlight Cuban cinema, Naranjo stands out as a testament to the enduring power of creativity in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways

• Premiere Details: Naranjo premieres on May 22, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Miami Dade College’s Koubek Center.
• Artistic Legacy: Orlando González Naranjo’s work blends nostalgia, color, and resilience, reflecting his exile from Cuba.
• Cultural Impact: The film explores themes of displacement, survival, and the transformative role of art in diasporic communities.
• Post-Screening Event: Director Jorge Soliño and artist Orlando González Naranjo will participate in a Q&A following the film.
• Accessibility: Free admission (RSVP required); Spanish with English subtitles; free parking available.

FAQ: What to Expect at the Screening

Q: Is the screening open to the public?

A: Yes, the event is free and open to the public, but attendees must RSVP in advance.

Q: Will there be English subtitles?

A: Yes, the film will be presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

Q: Can I bring guests?

A: While the event is free, RSVP is required per attendee. Guests are welcome, but all must register individually.

Q: What makes this documentary unique?

A: Naranjo combines archival footage, original animation, and a deeply personal narrative to explore how art becomes a homeland when physical borders close. The post-screening Q&A with González Naranjo adds an unfiltered, intimate dimension to the experience.

Final Thoughts: A Homage to Art and Exile

In a world where stories of migration and cultural preservation are increasingly relevant, Naranjo offers a masterclass in how art transcends borders. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Cuban cinema or a newcomer to the genre, this documentary is a must-see. Don’t miss the chance to witness how one man’s paintbrush became his passport to both memory and freedom.

Where: Koubek Center, 2705 SW 3rd St., Miami
When: Friday, May 22, 2026, at 7 p.m.
How: RSVP here