Known by her students as a brilliant College of the North Atlantic (CNA) instructor, Tamara Segura has spent years cultivating creativity in the classroom. Now they are cheering her on as she steps into the spotlight, premiering her latest work and winning over audiences at two of the most prestigious film festivals in North America.
Set against the backdrop of the Cuban revolution,
Seguridad is a deeply personal documentary that examines Segura’s tumultuous relationship with her father. She went from being dubbed Cuba’s youngest soldier in a militia stunt, to fleeing from her father’s alcoholism for Canada on a film scholarship. Years later, she returned to Cuba to reconcile with him, but instead found herself facing his sudden death.
Tamara Segura.
Through interviews and family photographs, she explores her father’s troubled past and how Cuba’s militarized regime impacted their lives. It is a rare glimpse into the private lives of Cubans post-revolution, and a moving story of resilience and love.
Produced by the National Film Board of Canada,
Seguridad recently had its world premiere at the Miami Film Festival and is now being screened at the largest documentary film festival on the continent, HotDocs in Toronto.
“After five years of hard work filming this documentary, having it screened at these film festivals feels incredibly validating and rewarding. I’m beyond honoured,” Segura said, noting the name of the film means security or safety, and is also a play on one of her family names. “Having my World Premiere at the Miami Film Festival was a very meaningful experience, as Miami is home to many Cubans in exile.”
The audience made sure Segura feel completely at home as well. They gave her film an enthusiastic standing ovation, and in the question-and-answer session that followed, Segura saw firsthand how important stories such as hers are to share.
“Many members of the audience shared their experiences about intergenerational trauma, which is the main theme of the film,” she said. “A film isn’t finished until one has the chance to share it with the audience and witness their reactions to it. That’s when the filmmaking process comes full circle. I also enjoyed reconnecting with former classmates from my Cuban film school and local filmmakers in Florida.”
Segura’s students have been excitedly studying her success and will certainly be following along as she heads to HotDocs. Having an instructor who is active in the industry provides opportunities for students to gain practical knowledge and a realistic expectation of their trade.
“As they say, if you can see it, you can be it,” she said, adding the demanding work can lead to success. “I hope this inspires them to persevere in their careers. Festivals are great for catching up with the latest industry trends and watching the best films released internationally. Whenever possible, I make sure to take pictures, videos, and flyers so I can share them with my students and keep them up to date.”
Segura said she is grateful for more than a decade of support from the arts community in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Having the chance to work at CNA as a film instructor is a wonderful, meaningful way to give something back to this community,” she said.
For more information about
Seguridad and its screenings at HotDocs, visit
Seguridad | Hot Docs.
For more information about CNA’s TV, film, music and sound programs, visit
College of the North Atlantic - School of Academics Applied Arts & Tourism (cna.nl.ca).
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Media Contact:
Ryan Crocker
Manager of Communications
College of the North Atlantic
P: (709) 699-8981
E:
ryan.crocker@cna.nl.ca