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MMP Manager, Melinda Raebyne, Receives Best Director Award by Abby Lin

by Melinda Raebyne October 3, 2023 3

Congratulations to Melinda Raebyne – who the Meaningful Movies Project is proud to call its manager – for the success of her latest film ELLOS GRITAN LIBERTAD (THEY SCREAM FREEDOM)! Raebyne is a self-taught filmmaker who used her almost ten years of experience as an actor to create dynamic films of her own. Using the power of storytelling, she hopes to address social issues and give power to unique and often forgotten voices.

Raebyne’s latest project provides a platform for the Cuban people as they share the effects of a 63-year-old Revolution. On July 11, 2021, thousands took to the streets in cities and towns throughout Cuba and chanted in passionate unison Libertad! (Freedom!), putting their lives on the line in the hope of positive change. They, through their brave actions, showed the world the aftermath of empty promises made by the Revolution and revealed the island’s disturbing realities.

The film’s story is told by a courageous unnamed narrator, who also provided a film of the events unfolding before his eyes. His honest voice, paired with Raebyne’s brilliant storytelling skills, created a thorough, deep dive into life in modern-day Cuba. The film tackles issues like censorship, poverty, and oppression, while simultaneously showing the strength and resilience of the Cuban people as they fight for progress that they were promised decades ago.

After premiering on the world stage at the Social World Film Festival in Italy, Raebyne’s film quickly received recognition as she won Best Director. The film was also picked up by three Washington state film festivals – Tacoma Film Festival, Seattle Latino Film Festival, and Social Justice Film Festival in Seattle – for October. In addition to these honors, Raebyne became a 2023 Free Speech Film Festival Award Winner. You will be able to watch her interview for this award on all of American INSIGHT’s social media channels, their website, and Eventbrite. Additionally, you can read a featured article on their Free Speech Spotlight Blog and those who purchase a ticket to the in-person 2023 Free Speech Award Ceremony on November 15th at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania will have access to stream her film on their Eventive platform for two weeks prior to the event. 

Congratulations again to Melinda Raebyne! The whole Meaningful Movies team is incredibly proud of her film and her continuous dedication to promoting social justice and bettering the world. 

To learn more, check out the Social World Film Festival and Raebyne’s website. Watch the film’s trailer at https://youtu.be/rKwcEQQz9Ow.

This article was written by a member of the Meaningful Movies Intern, Abby Lin.