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HBO’s new documentary Night Is Not Eternal is all about the life of Rosa María Payá, a Cuban activist who has campaigned for democratic reforms in Cuba since her father’s tragic death. On November 19, 2024, the series follows her journey and the difficulties of fighting an authoritarian regime. This documentary by award-winning filmmaker Nanfu Wang explores Payá's life and fight for freedom.
The tragic events that shaped Rosa María Payá’s activism are central to the story. Her father, Oswaldo Payá, was a prominent dissident leader who died in an alleged car accident in 2012. Rosa claims that the Cuban government was behind his death, driving her to seek justice and carry on his work to achieve his vision for a free Cuba.
Rosa María Payá now lives in Miami, where she continues her activism from afar, working with international organizations and addressing global audiences to support Cuban democracy. Her commitment to fulfill her father’s vision for a free Cuba and the global impact of standing against oppression are portrayed in Night Is Not Eternal.
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Rosa María Payá and the connection between Night Is Not Eternal
Night Is Not Eternal is a personal exploration of the sacrifices required for political activism. Nanfu Wang, the filmmaker, chose to follow Rosa María Payá as she navigated the dangerous path of Cuban dissent, a journey that mirrors Wang’s reflections on her own experiences with political authority.
Night Is Not Eternal covers seven years and shows Rosa's fight against authoritarian forces and her search for justice after her father's death.
Incident that changed Rosa María Payá’s Life
Rosa's father, Oswaldo Payá, was a famous Cuban politician and Christian Liberation Movement founder. He opposed the Cuban government's authoritarianism and advocated for change. Oswaldo reportedly died in a car accident in 2012.
Rosa alleges that her father was assassinated by Cuban authorities. This belief inspired her to continue her father's work and bring democracy to Cuba.
Seeking Justice: Rosa María Payá’s ongoing activism
After her father's death, Rosa demanded an independent investigation into his death. She pushed international human rights groups to hold Cuba accountable. Her actions were risky and supported globally.
In 2015, Rosa María Payá founded Cuba Decide to rally Cubans and international allies for political change. The nonprofit seeks to overthrow Cuba's single-party system and establish democratic elections through public referendums. According to their website, Payá and her team at Cuba Decide promote peaceful, grassroots activism to empower Cubans to demand their own governance.
International recognition and awards
Throughout her career, Rosa María Payá has been honored for her dedication to her father's mission and her solo advocacy for Cuban freedom.
She was named one among the 25 most powerful Latin women by People en Español in 2014. She also received the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute's Ileana Ros-Lehtinen International Leadership Award in 2020.
Rosa María Payá’s current role in global advocacy
Rosa María Payá, who now lives in Miami, continues to fight for democratic rights and policies that would help the Cuban people be free. She has spoken at the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the Organization of American States, among other places. She supports her cause by writing for major news outlets like The Washington Post and CNN, where she talks about Cuban politics.
Her work brings attention to issues and pushes for policy changes that could help Cuba make a transition. She thinks that movements like Cuba Decide need help from around the world to be successful.
Even though it's hard, Rosa María Payá's activism keeps her father's memory alive. Every year on the anniversary of his death, she honors his memory by telling everyone about the things her family has given up. This public recognition of her father's influence shows how much she cares about freedom and won't let his dream die.
In July 2024, she remembered her father's 12th anniversary by focusing on how his work is still important and how strong people are who fight for justice.
Continuing the fight from Miami
For now, Rosa María Payá runs her advocacy work from Miami, where she lives with her mother. She and her family go back to Cuba every once in a while, but she mostly uses her fame in the US to speak out against the Cuban government. Her work on social media and in public places makes sure that the fight for Cuban freedom is seen by people around the world.
Rosa María Payá has turned a tragedy in her own life into a lifelong mission to fight for democratic change in Cuba. Night Is Not Eternal beautifully shows her journey and the strength of people who fight for freedom against strong opposition.
Night Is Not Eternal will be streaming on HBO from November 19, 2024.
