Alina Fernández Revuelta, daughter of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, has been in favor of James Franco playing her father in the new film about her, which will be titled Alina de Cuba. The news, which emerged earlier this week, has caused a stir in Hollywood after several actors and directors accused the decision of “cultural appropriation” for not being James Franco of Latino origin.
The new film, directed by Javier Bardem, will feature the participation of actress Ana Villafañe to play the leader’s daughter and Mía Maestro in the role of Natalia Revuelta, her mother. Alina Fernández will participate in the production of the film as a biographical and historical consultant. “I am proud that the project is almost entirely Latino, both in front of and behind the cameras,” Fernández assured, adding that the rest of the cast will be a surprise for the public.
“Ana Villafañe has an extraordinary talent, and not only as an actress, because she is also a great singer, a very complete performer. I am sure that Mía Maestro, an actress that I admire, will understand and interpret Naty, my mother, in a unique way and I can’t wait to see her build her character”, she concluded.
The role of Fidel Castro will mean Franco’s return to cinema after several allegations of abuse and sexual scandals led him to cancel a large part of his film projects.
