Documentary film director Peter Chang chats about his experience into a land untouched by time. In his film “CUBA” he gives audiences a glimpse into a world of vibrant music and culture. This film is currently featured at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science through Jan. 23, 2019. Chang is known for his films “Jerusalem,” “America Wild: National Parks Adventure,” and “Planet Power,” and ” 2017 Panama Canal in 3D a Land Divided a World United.”
Colleen Bement: Is this your first time to Denver? What do you think of our fabulous museum and fun city?
Peter Chang: I’d been to Denver once before to train scientists for filming on another giant screen IMAX project. The museum is great, I really liked the Cuba exhibition. I haven’t had a chance to explore much of the city but I love seeing the mountains. Mountain energy is a very special force, it makes me feel alive.
CB: Why Cuba? What inspired you to make a documentary film on Cuba?
PC: Initially, curiosity. I’m fairly well traveled but, like most Americans, I knew very little about Cuba, even though it’s only 90 miles off the coast of the United States. I watched the films “Buena Vista Social Club” and “Soy Cuba” and was fascinated by a glimpse into a world of vibrant music, unique visual textures and interesting characters. The light has a beautiful richness to it, the proximity to the equator, the humidity and the weather patterns unique to the island cause the light to bring out colors in a cinematic way.
CB: Cuba has always been on my bucket list of places to visit. What did you love the most about visiting that beautiful and unique country?
PC: As a filmmaker it’s captivating. Around every corner, there’s something interesting to film, most people don’t have internet or cable so they’re out on their porches or the street, playing dominos, buying produce from passing vendors or playing music. There’s a wonderful sense of community, it’s very engaging.
CB: I know creativity is always flowing. Do you have other projects in the works that you’re allowed to share with my readers?
PC: Yes, I’m developing a feature-length film and TV series related to Cuba, along with several other projects.
CB: Let’s get to know you better. Where did you grow up and how were you influenced to become a filmmaker?
PC: I grew up in Los Angeles and College Station, Texas. My father is a film lover and took me to lots of films as a child. He also loved to do karaoke and when I realized that you can play laserdiscs on Karaoke machines I spent any allowance I got on buying laserdiscs that were loaded with special features. These are now commonplace on DVDs and Blu-Rays, but laserdiscs were the only outlet at the time. I’d watch all the behind the scenes footage and interviews with the directors and cinematographers and learn everything I could about making movies. In college, I continued my film education at the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley and had the opportunity to work on feature films. That’s when I discovered it was the path for me.
“CUBA” is currently playing at Denver Museum of Nature & Science through Jan. 23, 2019. Showtimes & Tickets.