In an era where the cinematic landscape is becoming increasingly diverse, Elio Bernardo-Ruiz, or Elio B as affectionately known in literary and filmmaking circles, uniquely blends storytelling that bridges cultures, histories, and personal narratives, making him stand out. Born under the Havana sky, Elio’s journey from a Cuban outsider to an internationally recognized filmmaker and writer is inspirational.
Significant achievements in the documentary genre marked Elio’s early career. His films garnered significant prizes at prestigious film festivals. Among them, the Havana International Film Festival and Puerto Rico’s Cine San Juan in the late 1980s and early 90s are poignant explorations of the social realities of life in Cuba under Castro. These works showcase his multifaceted screenwriter, director, and producer skills, revealing a deep commitment to voicing stories from underrepresented communities. It was also a motive for leaving Cuba.
In 1991, Elio immigrated to Mexico, a move that wasn’t merely geographical; it represented a transition into new realms of creativity and formation. He enriched the academic world in Mexico City with his insights as a script professor at the renowned C.C.C. film school for five years while participating in the advertisement industry. His impact went beyond just teaching.
Elio’s writing weaves narratives in both nonfiction and fiction genres. His inclusion in the international anthology “Ancestral House: The Black Short Story in the Americas and Europe” with his short story “The Little White Girl” in 1995 is a testament to his versatility and ability to resonate with readers globally through richly developed stories that spotlight original Afro-Latino populations and historical themes. He has also published short stories, critical essays, and book reviews in academic journals, such as Afro-Hispanic Review, from Vanderbilt University. He has a book in preparation, “Tribulaciones de un Pichón” (A Pigeon’s Troubles), a critical and comparative essay about Afro-Cuban and African American issues in the Cold War context.
Elio’s creative contributions have certainly caught people’s attention. Beyond accolades, what sets Elio apart is his relentless pursuit of stories that matter. One of his exciting new projects is “MORNINGSIDE,” garnering industry attention. MORNINGSIDE is a feature film set in Miami that aims to captivate audiences with its intricate portrayal of family crises and addiction issues among Latino Americans and immigrants. This psychological thriller mirrors society’s fractures through its interesting narrative and multifaceted characters, like Detective Anthony — whose journey from addiction to redemption forms the crux of this fascinating puzzle mystery. And Leonora is a modern-day Lady Macbeth, basking in the South Beach sun while thinking of killing her husband.
Elio B has a slate of projects in different development stages. Here are some examples of those diverse stories:
THE BLACK PAGANINI is about an evasive green-eyed lover in times of the Belle époque, inspired by an actual black Cuban virtuoso violinist, who travels the world, achieves fame and fortune, and ends up dying penniless and alone with still longing for those green eyes.
MONARCH OR PAPALOTZIN is a testimony of a mystical resurrection in an ecocide thriller. A mystery and subtle migratory connection between Canada and Mexico through a millennial creature en route to extinction.
The DEVIL’S PARADISE is a documentary about the Caribbean islands and how their brutal history turned the tropical Eden paradise Into hell. Elio was awarded a development grant for this project by the Merida, Yucatan film festival.
For those keen on following this lone ranger of the cinema, Elio B, visit Elio Bernardo-Ruiz’s official website for insights into a career built on passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in cinema’s power to transform society — one story at a time.
Published by: Khy Talara
