[Video} Cuba: An African Odyssey Parts 1 & 2

This revealing, award-winning documentary adds to our understanding of the Cold War through its least-known context: Africa.

From 1961 to 1991, Africa was a battleground for four different competing interests. The Soviet Union wanted to extend its influence into a new continent; the U.S. lusted after Africa's natural resources; former European empires felt their grip on the area weaken; and, newly formed African nations fought to defend their recently won independence. When the latter called on Cuban guerrillas to aid them in their struggle, Castro and Cuba stepped in to build a new offensive strategy, which would have long-lasting influence on developing countries in their battles against colonialism.

From Che Guevara's efforts in the Congo to the triumphant battle at Cuito Cuanavale, the documentary tells the story of those internationalists who won their battles but ultimately lost the war. 

Director Jihan El Tahri

Released 2007