Category Archives: Hecho a Mano: Creativity in Exile

Pianist Francisco “Paquito” Hechavarría, sculptor Tony López, and ceramicists Nelson and Ronald Currás came to the United states from Cuba with only their talent — but that was enough.

The  Emmy Award®-winning documentary about life’s unexpected turns and the joy of working with your hands.   

 

HechoAmano

Hecho a Mano: Creativity in Exile

The Emmy Award®-winning documentary Hecho a Mano: Creativity in Exile weaves together the stories of four Cuban artists living in Miami: pianist Paquito Hechavarría, sculptor Tony López, and ceramicists Nelson and Ronald Currás.

Even those who may have never heard their names before should be familiar with their work: Hechavarría played piano for some of Cuba’s biggest bands, was a regular performer at the Fontainebleau in the ’60s, and created the infectious opening to Miami Sound Machine’s “Conga;” López is responsible for thousands of sculptures, including the unforgettable Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach; and the Currás Brothers are known for large-scale tile mosaics that grace private homes, hotels, and public spaces throughout the Caribbean.

From Cuba to their early experiences in exile to today, Hecho a Mano explores their dedication to craft and their ability to create under often challenging circumstances. A documentary about life’s unexpected turns and the joy of working with your hands.

The film premiered on Miami PBS affiliate WLRN In February 2011 and has aired in select markets nationwide, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Antonio and Denver.

Winner: 
*Emmy® for Historical/Cultural Program, Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, 2011 
*Best Florida Documentary, 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
*Best Local Film, 2010 Miami Short Film Festival
*Best Documentary, 2010 Miami Short Film Festival 

Producers: Brett O’Bourke and Gaspar González
Director: Brett O’Bourke
Writer: Gaspar González
Director of Photography: Richard Patterson
Editor: Christina Burchard
Assoc. Producer: Christine Sylvain