Who said “Hasta la vista, compay!” is it a “See you always”? It is a “See you later”, “See you soon”, a “Forever!” -maybe-.
On January 29, Juan Padrón would have turned 75 years old. This eternal dreamer, humorist through and through, earned the love, respect and appreciation of many. His daughter Silvia Padrón shared with Cubacine some of her attachments and future projects that will continue to keep his father’s legacy alive.
When you think of him, what is the first thing that comes to mind both personally and professionally?
I personally think a lot about his sense of humor, his light-heartedness and his limitless ability to make us laugh around the house. I also remember a lot the moments of affection and complicity that I had with him. Professionally, every day I admire him more and deeply miss not having him to help me and participate in La Manigua.
Tell me about the most significant tributes that have been paid to Juan recently.
On May 29, 2021, he was awarded the Honor Award of the Quirino Awards for Ibero-American Animation. This delivery was very emotional and carried out with great sensitivity. A very complete exhibition was also inaugurated with all the posters of his films. And not least, his autobiographical book was presented for the first time my life in Cuba, for which I made a conversation about La Manigua and his work. I can’t forget to mention the gif contest associated with his characters either. Among the winners was Olivia Solano, a very talented Cuban teenager.
On July 16, I participated in a tribute that Casa de América did in Madrid, together with the artist Javier Mariscal, a great connoisseur of my father’s work. Here it was presented my life in Cuba and the feature film was screened Vampires in Havana! on two occasions. There was a lot of laughter and it was a very warm and heartfelt space.
Also in July, but in Cuba, the Rutas y Andares summer program, organized by the City Historian’s Office, made a shared route between Juan Padrón and Eusebio Leal as part of “Great Figures of Cuban Culture” at the Centro Hispanoamericano, where the Cultural and Creative Center La Manigua was presented.
Among the activities that took place recently, on September 29, the Spanish Film Academy honored my father by holding a meeting with Vladimir Cruz, José Luis Farias, Maite Ruiz, Mariano Barroso (president of the Academy) and myself, together with the projection of Elpidio Valdés finds Palmiche Y Vampires in Havana!
His latest audiovisual work was also premiered. These are three short films in homage to the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana.
Likewise, Editorial Reservoir Books published in Spain his autobiography drawn my life in Cuba, which is marketed in that country, Mexico and other latitudes. Still pending to do the Cuban edition.
Work continues on a new edition of The Mambi Bookwhich until now has the interest and support of Ediciones Boloña of the Office of the Historian and the ICAIC.
Progress is being made in preparing the construction of La Manigua with the support of the Cuban Fund for Cultural Assets, the Government of Havana and the Ministry of Culture.
What future projects exist to continue preserving Juan’s legacy as a master of animation, as a father and as a person?
My main project is the creation of the Cultural and Creative Center La Manigua to promote and preserve his work, fundamentally. But equally important is that the values of his work, such as a taste for history, games, fun and the promotion of the best of being Cuban, serve to create an innovative space for Cuban boys and girls.
