Content creator Alfredito Fominaya recently shared a video on Instagram that quickly went viral. This was his direct response to Michel Torres Corona, the host of the state-run TV program "Con Filo," who labeled Fominaya and other critics of the government as "frustrated."
In the video, Fominaya embraces the label with sarcasm and turns it on its head by listing compelling reasons for his frustrations.
“They want to kick us out with the flair of frustrated ninjas. Relax, no one is going to kick you out. You stay put. You are a mouthpiece for a system in decline. You're not on the list of those leaving on the plane," he declares at the start of the video.
Enumerating Frustrations
Fominaya articulates his grievances clearly: "I'm frustrated seeing children unable to sleep because of blackouts while you sleep with electricity."
He also criticizes the state television: "I'm frustrated with people who lack charisma and talent lying on TV, while charismatic, intelligent, and creative young people are being silenced for speaking the truth on social media."
He captures the nation's historical crisis succinctly: "I'm frustrated that 67 years of communism have turned the Pearl of the Caribbean into a giant wasteland."
A Warning to the Regime
Fominaya concludes the video with a warning reflective of his generation's sentiment: "I'm frustrated, but my frustration is fading as yours is only beginning."
"Con Filo," produced by the state portal Cubadebate, serves as the regime's primary media tool to attack digital dissent.
Torres Corona has targeted many groups of young creators, including El4tico—whose members have been imprisoned since their arrest in February in Holguín—and Fuera de la Caja, labeled as "anti-communist propagandists" by the show.
The pattern of "Con Filo"—discrediting critical creators before or during repressive measures—raises concerns for Fominaya's safety as his visibility grows.
A Voice of Digital Dissent
Fominaya is not new to the Cuban digital dissent scene. In March, he responded to musician Silvio Rodríguez after the artist received an AKM rifle during an official event presided over by Díaz-Canel. "Nobody wants to see their land destroyed or bombed. Nobody. What we want and what people are asking for is freedom," he stated.
In April, he alleged that the State Security was planning to fabricate a criminal case against him.
By May, he criticized the Communist Party's "My Signature for the Homeland" campaign, arguing that "signatures don’t fill water buckets for bathing."
Understanding the Dynamics of Cuban Digital Dissent
Who is Alfredito Fominaya?
Alfredito Fominaya is a Cuban content creator known for his outspoken criticism of the Cuban government and his involvement in digital dissent.
What is the role of the program "Con Filo" in Cuban media?
"Con Filo" is a state-run TV program used by the Cuban government to discredit and attack digital dissenters and critics of the regime.
How has Fominaya responded to government criticism?
Fominaya has responded with sarcasm and by highlighting the reasons for his frustrations, using his platform to critique government actions and policies.