Abu Dhabi: Ernesto "Che" Guevara would have been a wonderful grandfather had he lived to see them because of his sensitive and intellectual character, it was revealed by Camilo Guevara, one of Che's children, who was in the capital to lend his support to the screening of the latest documentary about his father, Che Un Hombre Nuevo.
The film was screened as part of the fourth annual Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF), which ended on Saturday.
"This is the first time I visit Abu Dhabi and participate in the festival, but unfortunately, I won't be able to fully visit the city because I'm flying out [on Saturday night]. But I'm very pleased that the film is being shown here...it's a very well researched and quality produced documentary...the fact that it was chosen shows how serious ADFF is," Camilo said.
The documentary, which took 12 years of research by the director, Tristán Bauer, and his team in collaboration with the Che Guevara Institute in Cuba, which Camilo runs.
"Other films and even television series just show one part of my father's life, whether focusing on the romantic side of his legend or as his role as a soldier...this documentary doesn't...it provides a well summarised and high quality look at his life," Guevara said.
Members of Che's family, friends and scholars have denounced the commercialization and distortion of Che's image in mainstream media and society ever since Alberto Korda's famous photograph of him was mass published from the 1960s until today.
However, Camilo is unfazed, stating that while Che's image has become open to interpretation, it has also ensured that his father wouldn't be lost to history.
"All of what's happening...the movies, posters, books....while some of them have exploited my father's image, it doesn't matter...what's important is that this person existed and that is documented," he said.
"I'm Cuban and over there, there isn't publicity about my father like in the West. My family and I lived normally but at the same time, everyone admires him and every house has a small remembrance shrine to him...so that made me feel responsible about preserving his memory...but I don't live in his shadow," he added.
Camilo insisted that the he wanted people to have an accurate image of his father as a man instead of focusing on his myth, which is why it is important to have accurate depictions and biographies about his life.
"Dad had many facets...he wasn't just a revolutionary or a strategist or a doctor but he was also a man, a son, a husband...he was also very creative and a visionary...if he were alive today, I'm sure he would be creating, experimenting...or maybe he would be in another country, trying to help out as best he can...who knows?" Camilo said, smiling. "I'm very proud to be his son and am one of his greatest admirers...I hope that the world will continue keeping his legacy alive," he added.
