Why choosing strawberry over chocolate ice cream was a radical political act in 1979 Havana

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1993, the Cuban film Strawberry and Chocolate challenged the state’s rigid social norms. By depicting an unlikely friendship between a devout communist student and a gay artist, the film sparked a national conversation about sexuality and censorship, eventually becoming the first Cuban production nominated for an Academy Award.

Set in 1979 Havana, the film follows David, a university student, and Diego, a gay artist who feels marginalized by the Castro regime. Their relationship begins under false pretenses: David’s classmate, Miguel, tasks him with spying on Diego, whom the state views as dangerous. The title itself serves as a subtle, defining moment of characterization; when Diego chooses strawberry ice cream at the Coppelia parlor despite the widespread popularity of chocolate, he signals his non-conformity to David. This choice becomes a metaphor for his broader refusal to adhere to the state’s narrow cultural and social expectations.

The narrative explores the friction between personal identity and political ideology. While Diego initially approaches David with romantic intent, their bond evolves into a complex, platonic friendship that forces David to confront his own prejudices. As David spends more time with Diego, he begins to defend his friend’s principles against the state’s blacklisting and censorship. The film captures the tension of a period where homosexuality was technically decriminalized by the 1979 Penal Code, yet remained socially stigmatized, with the government actively encouraging gay citizens to emigrate.

The film’s legacy is significant, credited with opening a long-overdue dialogue about queer rights in Cuba. However, it has faced criticism for its ideological approach, with some arguing it presents an overly simplified conflict and seeks state redemption rather than a radical challenge to the revolution’s history of homophobia. Despite these critiques, the film’s impact is undeniable, culminating in widespread international acclaim, including a 1994 Academy Award nomination and numerous festival honors. Decades later, the conversation it initiated continued to evolve, leading to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Cuba in 2022.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• How a Cuban writer’s life of defiance became a landmark of international cinema
• How a Mexican romantic drama used magical cooking to redefine gender and tradition
• How a Cuban love story became a landmark in adult animated cinema
• A child's final, desperate act of love amidst the cruelty of the Spanish Civil War
• The bitter truth hidden beneath a veneer of decadent French chocolate
• Can a foul-mouthed dog comedy actually possess a surprisingly big heart?
• What happens when a psychopath suggests the perfect crime to a complete stranger?
• Why a 1928 silent film caused a riot and triggered international government bans
• How a low-budget, black-and-white comedy redefined the landscape of American independent cinema
• How a campy 1994 action film became a profitable, enduring cult classic
• What happens when an ordinary man realizes his life is being written by someone else?
• Before becoming a 2008 hit, Street Kings spent over a decade in development hell

More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics