The Deprogram Episode 230 - Cuba Libre (Ft. Abby Martin & Matt Belen)
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Apr 17, 2026 
Matt Belen, documentary producer who co-directed Cuba After Castro, and Abby Martin, investigative journalist and filmmaker, discuss their film and why Cuba spoke directly to U.S. audiences. They explain securing an interview with Díaz‑Canel, use of archival footage to challenge stereotypes, effects of sanctions and recent crises on daily life, and the film’s strategy to humanize Cubans and spark U.S. solidarity.
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U.S. Policy Against Cuba Is A Cold War Grudge
- The film reframes U.S. attacks on Cuba as a Cold War grudge and imperial continuity rather than legitimate democracy promotion.
- Abby and Matt push viewers to interrogate terms like 'free press' and 'democracy' in this geopolitical context.
Context Explains Sanctions' Real Effects
- Understanding Cuba requires historical and economic context: the 60+ year U.S. blockade explains material suffering irrespective of governance.
- Matt argues that this model applies to other sanctioned states like Iran or North Korea when history is hidden.
Cubans Want Reconnection Not Revenge
- Cubans generally distinguish U.S. government policy from the American people and often seek renewed collaboration.
- Matt and Abby note Cuban desire for normalized ties, remittances, and medical exchange, blocked by political interests like the Miami exile lobby.