Island of Dreams delivers an intimate portrait of Cuba in a time of crisis.
What makes someone leave everything and everyone they know and love, and forego their familiar culture, to make their way into an unknown future in an unknown land? What makes someone stay where they live despite hardship and deprivation?
This documentary follows several Cubans from different walks of life who love their country but struggle with the conflict to stay or leave an increasingly dysfunctional government and rapidly collapsing economy.
Their characters are Cuban, but their voices are universal. Orloff and Jimenez bring a human face to the international crisis of migration.
Island of Dreams shows a Cuba whose people have little hope for the future.
Project Title (Original Language): Isla de Sueños
Project Type: Documentary, Feature
Runtime: 52 minutes
Country of Origin: Colombia, United States
Country of Filming: Cuba
Language: English, Spanish
Director Biography – Alvaro Jimenez, Cliff Orloff
Alvaro Jiménez is a director, editor, and producer with award-winning short films featured in international festivals such as Bogoshorts and 48 Hour Film Project. With over 7 years of experience in documentary and narrative filmmaking, commercials, and music videos, he has developed a style defined by a sensitive and human perspective, combined with a rigorous approach to filmmaking and a constant pursuit of audiovisual excellence. In 2019, he founded Piranga Films in Bogotá, Colombia, a production company specializing in film, advertising, and music videos. His debut feature film, Island of Dreams (Isla de Sueños) (2025), marks his transition into feature-length storytelling, consolidating his career as a filmmaker.
Photos
Screenings / Awards
Bajío Documentary Film FestivalQueretaro, Mexico Mexico December 1, 2025 Mexican Premiere Official Selection
Key Biscayne Film FestivalMiami, Florida United States January 30, 2026 North American Premiere Official Selection
Cine Paris Film FestivalParis France January 15, 2026 French Premiere Best Documentary
Izmir International Refugee Film FestivalIzmir Türkiye April 18, 2026 Turkish Premiere Official Selection
Red Hook Brooklyn Film FestivalNew York United States May 8, 2026 New York Premiere Official Selection
Global Cultural Film FestivalOrlando United States November 8, 2025 US Premiere Official Selection
Easthampton Film FestivalEasthampton, Massachusetts United States April 24, 2026 Nominee Best Documentary
Valencia Indie Film FestivalValencia Spain April 17, 2026 Spanish Premiere Official Selection
Cannes International Film WeekCannes France May 11, 2026 Official Selection
Tokyo Lift-Off Film FestivalTokyo Japan May 4, 2026 Japanese Premiere Official Selection
California Capital International Documentary Film FestivalLos Angeles United States December 10, 2026 Official Selection
The InterCultural Voices Film FestivalLos Angeles United States July 14, 2026 Los Angeles Premiere Official Selection
Lisboa Indie Film FestivalLisboa Portugal June 21, 2026 Portugal Premiere Official Selection
Doc.Boston Documentary Film FestivalBoston United States July 18, 2026 Boston Premiere Official Selection
Chain NYC Film FestivalNew York United States August 6, 2026 Official Selection
OLA Latino Film Festival of the HamptonsSagaponack, New York United States September 19, 2026 Long Island Premiere Official Selection
La Garriga Film FestLa Garriga, Barcelona Spain June 2, 2026 Catalunya Premiere Best Documentary
Colorado Diasporic Film FestivalDenver United States August 6, 2026 Colorado Premiere Official Selection
