Two Islands is an evocative documentary that uses the art of cinematic storytelling to explore an extraordinary international cultural exchange between Afro-Cuban artists from Miami and First Nations Aboriginal artists from Australia. This collaboration delves into the rich traditions, rituals, and ceremonies of these two vibrant cultures. Through the exchange of ideas, values, and traditions, Two Islands highlights the power of cultural connection in fostering tolerance, acceptance, and the continuous growth of our diverse global community.

The journey began with a two-week artistic residency in Miami between the Afro-Cuban and Aboriginal artists that culminated in a multidisciplinary musical and dance performance at the Koubek Center in December 2023, featuring Afro-Cuban multi-instrumentalist and educator Michael Gil, who worked alongside with Gary Lang, Artistic Director and Choreographer of the Aboriginal-run NT Dance Company; Banula Marika, Yolngu elder from East Arnhem Land and David Spry, Marranunggu Marrathiyel singer-songwriter from Darwin, Australia, along with Afro-Cuban dancer and choreographer Marisol Blanco from Sikan Afro-Cuban Dance Project and musicians Manuel Clua, René Pedroso, and Caridad Paisán, and dancers Suramy Suarez Braulio Hernandez.

The culmination of this two-year international cultural exchange is now brought to life in Two Islands, a documentary produced by Melissa Messulam, Director of MDC’s Koubek Center, and directed by Humberto Ochoa, a renowned storyteller and photographer known for his work in documentary and portrait photography.

This inspiring film was produced by Miami Dade College’s Koubek Center and was made possible thanks to the support of Miami Dade College, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.