Daniel Ross, a filmmaker from Guantánamo renowned for his keen storytelling ability in cinema, has temporarily set aside his filmmaking tools in the aftermath of Hurricane Oscar's devastation in eastern Cuba. Instead, he has turned his efforts toward providing relief to those affected and sharing their stories on social media. Despite being under 40, Ross has exhibited remarkable sensitivity during these challenging times, posting stories on his Facebook profile that have garnered global attention.
In an interview with Martí Noticias, Ross expressed his commitment to aid, stating, "I'm ready to help, just like many others here who are supporting by delivering donations. Many items people have sent to me, I am personally handing out; that's what I want to do."
Reaching the Most Vulnerable
When discussing his approach to identifying the most vulnerable individuals or those with compelling personal stories, Ross explained, "My only method has been to bypass the usual donation routes and delve deeper into the community. I can do this because I have the time; unlike others, I’m not tied down by commitments."
He added, "I often venture much farther as a messenger. I have more opportunities because I know the area well, and I focus on finding what I believe people truly need."
Stories of Resilience
Among the many stories Ross has shared recently is that of a woman who refuses to leave her home, despite its precarious state of being almost without foundation. "She's still there, waiting in the mud for some improvement, poor thing. I hope to return to help her again. People stay put, even if they're not far from the city, waiting," Ross explained.
"They won't give up on a lifetime of sacrifice. Maybe it seems pointless to us, but to them, it means everything because their life stories are rooted there. It's tough to let go of those things after so much sacrifice. Imagine, for them, it's a piece of their life," Ross told Martí Noticias.
Unyielding Spirit
This particular story revolves around Eglis, "a woman from Imias who clings to what's left of her home, speaking as if she expects her house to die before she leaves," Ross noted on his Facebook profile. He described finding her "in the mud, trying to open a bottomless drawer, searching for items already rendered useless by the mud."
Ross also highlighted the bravery of two young men, Henry and Freidi, who have been instrumental in rescuing residents following the floods caused by Hurricane Oscar. Their courageous actions have moved people worldwide, as illustrated by Ross's posts showcasing their heroic deeds.