Biden Administration’s Policy Shift: New Opportunities for Filming in Cuba and What it Means for Streaming Platforms and Hollywood Studios

January 14, 2025

By cubafixer, a pseudonym used by an anonymous author with expertise in the Cuban film industry.

Imagine a Hollywood blockbuster filmed in the vibrant streets of Havana or a Netflix series exploring the island’s rich history. This vision could soon become a reality, as the Biden administration’s recent decision to ease decades-old sanctions against Cuba and restore diplomatic relations opens new doors for the film industry. With a focus on increasing economic engagement and fostering cultural exchange, the policy shift offers streaming platforms and Hollywood studios unprecedented access to Cuba’s untapped production potential.

The shift, which includes lifting some trade embargoes, resuming travel, and reopening diplomatic channels, the most recent one being the removal of Cuba from the SSOT list today, positions Cuba as a newly viable location for film production. The island’s rich history, scenic landscapes, and unique cultural identity have long been of interest to filmmakers, yet legal restrictions have previously hindered the full potential of filming in the region. Today’s actions by the Biden administration open new possibilities, as fear in legal departments across US media companies halted previous attempts to film in Cuba. 

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The Biden administration’s policy shift easing sanctions against Cuba opens up significant opportunities for the U.S. film industry. Hollywood studios and streaming platforms stand to benefit from access to Cuba’s unique landscapes, skilled workforce, and rich cultural narratives, fostering cost-effective and creative productions. However, challenges remain, including ethical engagement with Cuban labor, navigating legal complexities, and ensuring mutual benefits for both nations’ film industries. This policy shift marks the beginning of a potential new era of cultural and cinematic exchange.

New Legal Framework for Film Production in Cuba

Under the new policies, Hollywood studios and streaming platforms will find that the legal landscape for filming in Cuba has significantly shifted. The resumption of diplomatic ties and the easing of trade restrictions enable U.S. companies to engage in business with Cuban entities, including film production companies, local crew members, and suppliers. This newfound access offers the opportunity for streamlined partnerships that were previously stymied by legal red tape.

Legal experts predict that the lifting of travel and trade restrictions will allow for a more straightforward process of obtaining permits and clearing legal hurdles for international film productions. The Cuban government is expected to modernize its legal framework for foreign productions, which could result in expedited processes for visas, location permits, and intellectual property rights protections.

Economic and Creative Benefits for Hollywood

For Hollywood, this policy shift holds considerable promise. The Cuban government has signaled an openness to foreign investment, particularly in sectors like tourism and media, creating new avenues for film studios to develop local collaborations. Cuba’s picturesque settings—from its vibrant cities like Havana to its untouched rural landscapes—have the potential to serve as the backdrop for high-profile productions, enhancing creative storytelling while minimizing production costs.

Filming in Cuba could offer cost-effective alternatives for Hollywood studios, as the relatively lower production costs on the island could attract filmmakers seeking to stretch their budgets without compromising on quality. Additionally, Cuba’s well-educated workforce, including experienced film technicians and crew members, would provide studios with skilled labor, adding a layer of authenticity to projects set in the region.

The island’s unique social and historical context could also provide a wealth of compelling stories, enriching both global cinema and content tailored to platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max. With the rise of international content consumption, streaming platforms are increasingly looking for diverse settings and stories to engage viewers. Cuba offers a rare opportunity to showcase a region that has remained largely unexplored on the global film stage.

Benefits for Streaming Platforms

The potential benefits of this policy change are not just limited to major film studios. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, continually expanding their global reach, stand to gain significantly from this newfound access to Cuba. With an increasing appetite for international content, streaming platforms could tap into Cuba’s rich cultural history and emerging film industry to diversify their portfolios with exclusive content and co-productions.

Legal reforms that simplify the production process, alongside the prospect of local co-productions, could further reduce the complexity and expense of filming. These developments are likely to lead to an increase in the number of Cuban-based productions offered to global audiences, while also attracting international talent to the region.

Cuban filmmakers, who have long faced challenges in accessing global distribution channels due to the country’s isolation, could also benefit from collaborative projects with U.S.-based streaming platforms. These co-productions could offer exposure to a global audience while also fostering a deeper understanding of Cuba’s unique cultural identity.

Challenges and Considerations

While the potential benefits of this policy shift are significant, there remain challenges to overcome. Many within the Cuban-American community, especially in states like Florida, which have voiced concerns about the potential for U.S. business interests to empower the Cuban government without substantial political and human rights reforms. Hollywood studios and streaming platforms must carefully navigate these sensitivities to ensure their engagements with Cuba are viewed as a force for positive change.

Additionally, concerns about the exploitation of Cuban labor loom large. Ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions for local crews and talent will be critical to establishing trust and long-term collaboration. Similarly, the impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuban filmmakers and the broader Cuban film industry must be addressed to create an equitable and mutually beneficial environment.

The legal complexities of operating in a foreign market also pose some uncertainty. Cuban laws, particularly regarding intellectual property protections, may evolve as foreign investment increases, requiring U.S. filmmakers to adapt to a new set of regulations. Finally, ethical engagement with the Cuban people and culture—respecting their stories, history, and traditions—must remain a priority to avoid cultural appropriation or insensitivity.

A New Era for U.S.-Cuba Film Relations

The future of U.S.-Cuba film relations remains uncertain, but the potential for mutually beneficial collaborations is undeniable. As Hollywood and streaming platforms explore opportunities to connect with global audiences, Cuba’s rich history, culture, and untapped potential as a filming destination offer a promising new frontier. Legal changes aimed at simplifying the production process, paired with Cuba’s unique aesthetic, present an exciting opportunity for filmmakers eager to explore new horizons.

As the industry navigates this new landscape, it’s crucial to prioritize ethical engagement, respect for Cuban culture, and a commitment to supporting the growth of the Cuban film industry. By doing so, this policy shift could mark the beginning of a new era of cultural exchange and creative innovation between the two nations.

Source of the statement: White House Official Announcement