Day 7 - Sept. 24

We spent much of the day getting shots of Cuba for the documentary. We had a list of shots we wanted- group playing dominoes, salsa band, Cuban flags, the U.S. Embassy etc.

Zac spotted two kids playing with a soccer ball. We pulled over and began filming them. Once others realized what was happening, the two kids became a group of six children. They liked the attention and showed off their skills for the camera.

The soccer ball was beat up. The outer layer had worn off and you couldn’t see its original design. The kids didn’t seem to mind at all. They were as happy as could be because they had a ball to play with on the streets.

As Zac was getting video, I began talking to a man watching the children play. I learned he was one of the 3,500 prisoners released by the Cuban government just before Pope Francis arrived. I asked if I could interview him on camera. I was so curious about life in a Cuban prison. He quickly refused. He was scared. You could see the fear in his eyes. In fact, when anyone else was near, he would get quiet. He told me off camera that he was living with his aunt and didn’t have a job. He didn’t know what he was going to do now that we he out of prison. He was considering prostitution.