"Cuba: Beyond the Cars and the Cigars" is a documentary film set humbly against the stunning streets of Cuba. The film turns its focus on the Cuban Ballet and the strong, diverse art world of the beautiful island of Cuba.  Much more than the commonly seen images of Cuba, with its old cars, and cigars, it is a film that intimately delves into the lives of many young, aspiring ballerinas and some of the many incredible Cuban artists striving to pursue their dreams. It is a film of hope, dedication, strength, and passion from within a country rich with history, culture and life.   

Carlos Alvarado has dedicated his career to capturing the ballet in Cuba through photography and film. Through developing relationships and friendships, he has been allowed a very personal experience with Cuba and its amazing artists.   

Alvarado had common expectations prior to his first visit to the island. But what he saw on that first trip engaged and inspired him, and set his life in motion to capture and share the beauty he witnessed in the people, the artists, the music, the culture and the wonderful and ethereal ballerinas.  

Alvarado was welcomed and embraced by the art community of Havana, and had a collective exhibit with renowned artists in November, 2005.  In 2006, a presentation of his work was shown at the Los Angeles Shorts Film Festival. During this time, he got the attention of the International Documentary Association (IDA).  The IDA is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of nonfiction film and video makers throughout the United States and across the globe. The IDA and Alvarado are now collaborating in raising the funds for the making of this film. Alvarado's dream is to be able to share with the world a glimpse into a Cuba far too rarely seen. He is opening a window to the Cuba he knows, respects, admires and loves.

Carlos Alvarado was born in El Salvador in 1972, and fled his country with his surviving family during the chaos of the civil war in 1981, landing in Malibu, CA. Alvarado has been working as a fine art photographer and in film production for the past 10 years. His works are collected all over the world.

www.carlosalvarado.com