Premiered at Charles Chaplin movie theater, the 90-minute film is, from beginning to end, a grand tribute to Cuban and international cinema, which drew enthusiastic applause from moviegoers.

Screenplay by Perugorria and acclaimed Cuban actress Mirta Ibarra, author of the homonymous play and the protagonist of the film, whose camera follows the story of Iluminada, the usherette at the neighborhood Cuba movie theater, which the authorities intend to close.

In an exclusive interview with Prensa Latina, Ibarra, whose distinguished filmography includes titles such as “Adorables Mentiras” (Adorable Lies, 1991) and “Fresa y Chocolate” (Strawberry and Chocolate, 1993), explained that the film addresses two fundamental themes: the mistreatment of women and the revitalization of cinema as a theater.

“We wanted to pay homage to Juan Carlos Tabio (1943-2021), director of “Plaff or Demasiado Miedo a la Vida” (Splat or Too Afraid of Life, 1988), which is why we titled it “Neurotica Anonima or Sin Miedo a la Vida,” Ibarra explained while the film was still in production.

With a stellar Cuban cast, the film features Joel Angelino, the projectionist at the Cuba movie theater and a close friend of Iluminada, who shared scenes with Ibarra in the said play and the film “Fresa y Chocolate.”

Other renowned figures in the cast include Fernando Hechavarria, an architect; Osvaldo Doimeadios, a psychiatrist; Andrea Doimeadios plays young Iluminada; and Nestor Jimenez, the delegate.

The cast also includes the performances of Paula Ali, Mireya Chapman, Tahimi Alvarino, Barbaro Marin, Mario Limonta, Hilario Pena, Felix Beaton, Luis Silva, and many others.

Produced by the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC), Itaca Films, and An Ag Studios Company, the film features photography by Ernesto Granado, original music by maestro Jose Maria Vitier, and additional music by Venezuelan record producer Andres Levin.

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