90 Miles 2001
When filmmaker Juan Carlos Zaldívar was just 13 years old, he stood in the streets of Havana jeering at the Marielitos—Cubans fleeing the island by boat in 1980.
Director: Juan Carlos Zaldívar
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 90 Miles (2001) about?
The documentary follows Juan Carlos Zaldívar, who as a teenager jeered at Cubans fleeing to the U.S. in 1980, only to join them weeks later on a dangerous boat escape. The film explores his personal transformation and the broader themes of exile and migration.
Who directed 90 Miles?
90 Miles was directed by Juan Carlos Zaldívar himself, who brings a deeply personal perspective to the film.
Who stars in 90 Miles?
The cast is led by filmmaker Juan Carlos Zaldívar, alongside the real-life figures and families whose stories are central to the documentary.
Is 90 Miles (2001) worth watching?
As a gripping documentary with a unique first-person perspective, 90 Miles offers a compelling look at exile and resilience. While IMDb-unrated, its themes and storytelling make it a standout in the genre.
How long is 90 Miles?
90 Miles has a runtime of 75 minutes.
About 90 Miles (2001) — A Cuban Exile's Journey in a Powerful Documentary
When filmmaker Juan Carlos Zaldívar was just 13 years old, he stood in the streets of Havana jeering at the Marielitos—Cubans fleeing the island by boat in 1980. Within weeks, the tables turned dramatically when he became one of them, embarking on a perilous 90-mile journey across the treacherous Florida Straits to Miami. Now decades later, Zaldívar revisits this pivotal chapter of his life in his gripping documentary, 90 Miles (2001), blending personal history with the broader narrative of exile and migration.
The film captures the emotional turbulence of leaving behind a homeland under revolution, the uncertainty of the open sea, and the resilience required to build a new life in a foreign land. Through intimate storytelling and archival footage, 90 Miles immerses viewers in a story of displacement, identity, and the enduring human spirit in the face of political upheaval.