News / May. 31, 2018
Cuban film The Last Match (Antonio Hens, 2013) was a hit in several queer film festivals around the world. It genuinely presents the situation of male prostitution on streets of Cuba, it gives a peek into the unknown lives of male hookers in Havana. They are willing to sacrifice their ideals and relationships just to earn money. In this society where people still have zero tolerance for gay people, two young best friends fall in love with each other, but they still have to take sides between life and desire. Spanish actor-turned-into-politician Toni Cantó returned to the big screen after several years in retirement in a risky role featuring bold, nude and passionate sex scenes. He simply said: “It’s an excellent experience.”
The film stars Reinier, a young male prostitute that works to support his wife and child. One day, he is waiting for clients on the street when a handsome, middle-aged tourist from Barcelona, Toni Cantó, comes to him. Soon, they fall for each other, specially the tourist, who even goes to Reinier’s house to visit him. Reinier’s wife and mother-in-law know the situation, but money is more important than anything in times of need. They ask Reinier to grab this chance that can help them leave poverty behind. Reinier accepts his offer and becomes a gold digger.
Cantó has starred in several films in his long career, including a transgender role in Spanish top director Pedro Almodovar’s Todo Sobre Mi Madre (1999). After becoming a politician, he decided to return to the big screen for this risky role which gained him many critics. He said: “I found out people are more shocked about a nude gay scene than a corrupt politician.” He aims to improve society and that is why he got involved in politics. During the publicity tour, he spared no effort and accepted many interviews: “I am surprised that the questions about my nudity are more than questions about political corruption in the newspaper!”. He thinks that though there is no connection between acting and politics, he still likes to be involved in both “arts”.
The Last Match is director Antonio Hens’ second feature film. It gained critical acclaim in several international film festivals, including Frameline Film Festival and London Film Festival. The Hollywood Reporter praised: “It remarkably portrays the main character’s bewilderment, and the overwhelming desires.” The director said: “At first, I was really confused when I knew that Cuban boys and older male tourists holding hands and walking on the streets is seen as a normal phenomenon. But, in reality, money is everything. I had no intention to show compassion. I simply wanted to present this state of life.”
Cuba is a conservative communist country. Even though the president’s daughter once launched a campaign for the LGBTQ community, they are still generally oppressed. On the other hand, prostitution in Havana is pretty popular. Many foreign tourists come for fun. The Last Match opens a window into a specific part of Cuban society.
