The passing of renowned filmmaker, director, and sound engineer Jonal Cosculluela Sánchez at the age of 47 appears to be the result of his own tragic decision during a tumultuous period in his life. Although no official statements have been made by the Cuban Ministry of Culture or other state media regarding the cause of death, social media is rife with speculation pointing to possible suicide.
Cuban journalist Wilfredo Cancio Isla reported on CaféFuerte that "all indications suggest that Cosculluela chose to end his life amidst a severe depression, following a legal loss over personal property." Authorities have launched an investigation, interviewing those close to the late filmmaker.
Impact on the Cuban Film Community
The Assembly of Cuban Filmmakers, known for its recent clashes with institutional powers, highlighted Cosculluela's influence and connection to the artistic community. Journalist Cancio noted Cosculluela’s pivotal role in advocating for "autonomy and expressive freedoms within the national cinema against the officialdom."
Last year, Cosculluela publicly protested the alleged confiscation of his property in the central Vedado district of Havana. This dispute led to a legal battle with state authorities, which ultimately did not restore his ownership, as reported by an independent journalist.
Voices of Mourning and Criticism
Cuban playwright and activist Yunior García Aguilera, who collaborated with Cosculluela on various projects, expressed his sorrow: "It's shocking and painful to lose someone so young and talented so soon."
García Aguilera added, "I'm in shock. He showed us through his last denunciations that life there was not worth it. Yet, dying there prematurely is even more absurd. I can't believe it. I'm so sorry, my friend. How harsh this is."
An anonymous yet well-informed social media account, Liborio en Cuba, also attributed Cosculluela's death to suicide, citing long-standing battles with Cuban bureaucracy: "Jonal is gone (he committed suicide), and the hypocrisy of cultural bureaucrats will come with their empty condolences. What none will admit is Jonal's years-long fight against the @PresidenciaCuba due to a general's interest in his land."
Public Protest and Legacy
Born in Havana in 1977, Cosculluela staged a public protest in October 2023 via Facebook, accusing state entities of confiscating his property in El Vedado due to a legal conflict with the Ministry of Heritage and Housing. His posts were soon removed.
Reflecting on the filmmaker’s death, director Ricardo Figueredo Oliva expressed his grief on social media: "I don't want to believe they pushed you to this. But I could believe it, given the government's subtractive mentality. Rest in peace, dear filmmaker friend. I have enough pain to keep believing that Cuba is mired in misery."