Biografia
Roberto Monticello, born in Cuba, began his career in theater as a writer and director, earning numerous awards and grants before transitioning to film directing and settling in New York City. He is among the few Cuban-born directors living in the U.S. authorized to film in Cuba.
Beyond filmmaking, Monticello has dedicated much of his life to human rights and environmental activism. He has made three trips to Ethiopia during the famine, once serving as a camp director, an effort recognized with the UNICEF Relief Dag Hammarskjöld Medal "In the Name of the World's Children."
While pursuing Nazi war criminals in South America, he was arrested, beaten, and threatened multiple times. He has worked throughout Central America as a troubleshooter for human rights groups, lived with Peruvian Indians in the Andes, and documented human rights abuses in Afghanistan during the Russian occupation.
Monticello has focused significant efforts on ending the U.S. Embargo and Travel Ban to Cuba, delivering medicine twice yearly by boat and producing films in Cuba to advocate for peaceful resolution. He is producing two Cuba-themed documentaries, including "Looking For Cuba," which addresses the U.S. Embargo directly. Alongside writing partner Doug Klozzner, he has written two Cuban-themed feature scripts: "Son Cubano," an action-packed story about the roots of freedom in Cuba, and "Free Again: La Lupe's Story," the true-life drama of legendary singer La Lupe.
Recently returned from Darfur after being wounded on a Red Cross mission, Roberto received the 2007 Film Humanitarian Award at the Fifth Queens International Film Festival.
2008 Humanitarian Film Projects:
"Children of the Night"
A documentary exposing the trafficking of children from Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines to the U.S. for sexual exploitation. To date, 34 children have been rescued by the film crew, and several trafficking "homes" have been shut down due to the film's impact. This project is currently in mid-production.
"The World's Crying"
A compilation of footage shot by Roberto in Darfur and Rwanda during genocides; Sri Lanka during the tsunami; Sarajevo amid ethnic cleansing; and New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
"Carnaval de Cuba"
An exploration of Carnaval and religion in contemporary Cuba. Principal photography is complete, with the film now in post-production.
"Looking for Cuba"
A film addressing the Anti-U.S. Embargo and Travel Ban, recently screened at the United Nations and currently circulating in film festivals.
"Native Americans"
An examination of the present-day situation of American Indians. Originally executive produced by Marlon Brando. Principal photography is nearly complete, with ongoing shooting on Indian reservations in Long Island, NY.
"Cannibals & Missionaries"
Written and directed by Roberto for Tri-Continental Films. The project is complete and seeking distribution. A planned sequel, "Cultural Survival," has been filmed across six Latin American countries.
Monticello is also a published poet, novelist, and journalist. He currently resides in New York City.
