Days at the Lennon Park

Relaxed, he sits on a bench beneath the sycamore trees, one arm slung nonchalantly over the backrest. When asked, his elderly bodyguard, Juan, will put his characteristic glasses on him. It is John Lennon, cast in bronze, lending his name to the John Lennon Park in Havana, Cuba. Tourists have their photos taken with him and then walk on, but Lennon also has his regular visitors. Such as war veteran Rodolpho, who does a pretty decent rendition of Lennon's songs. Or lively octogenarian Ondina, who likes to tell young passersby about Lennon: "He was a revolutionary. He loved peace. That's why Fidel put him here." Director and cinematographer Annelies Kruk joins Lennon and his friends, records their musings and asks questions about their ideals, love and life. Lennon is a source of inspiration for the citizens of Havana – a dreamer like them. Seeing the world is not an option for these Cubans, but in the words of Rodolpho, "I believe I can bring the whole world here in the boat of my imagination." In the background, we hear the sounds of the city, the wind and the chatter of birds. Lennon sits on his bench and smiles.