"Emilia: An Untold Cuban-American Story" is a documentary that explores the life of Emilia Teurbe Tolón, a pioneer for an independent Cuba from Spain. Exiled for insurgency in 1850, Emilia continued to conspire from New York City, where she also embroidered the first Cuban national flag, an important symbol for the emerging nation.
Director and producer, Luiz Peréz Tolón traces his familial roots over two centuries to uncover a forgotten past and inspire future generations to tell their stories. Although anchored in history, the story is told in the present day as Tolón rediscovers his family heritage. He joins Emilia's descendants in Cuba and Miami as they struggle to understand Cuba-U.S. history and their own family history of exile, family seperation, and reunification.
Dr. Lillian Manzor is Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Literature and Hemispheric Carribean Studies at the University of Miami, Director of the Cuban Theatre Digital Archives (www.cubantheater.org), and Curator of Cuban Culture of the Edge. She is widely published in the field of Latin American and Latinx cultural studies and theater and performance studies.
