This screening will be introduced by the Director of Improvised Music Company, Gerry Godley.

Musician Ry Cooder travelled to Cuba in 1996. Reuniting a group of now elderly musicians, who had played at the members’ club for which the film is named, resulted in an album which experienced surprise international success on a scale large enough to require a follow-up.

At this point, Wim Wenders came on board to film the process and discover the stories behind the men and the music, following them to a rousing finale in New York’s Carnegie Hall. The film remains one of the most popular to have played at the IFI, and we look forward to seeing it onscreen again. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.) 

This film is screening as part of 20/20: Landmark Films at the IFI which is part of IFI20: Celebrating 20 Years in Temple Bar.