Renowned Cuban film critic, journalist, and educator Joel del Río announced he is leaving the Faculty of Audiovisual Media Arts (FAMCA) at the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) in Cuba after a commendable 16-year teaching tenure. Del Río's revelation, shared through a poignant Facebook post, marks a significant shift in his career.
"I just said goodbye to Famca Isa. I'm not starting this course, and I doubt I'll return anytime soon. Sixteen years where I sometimes felt like a good teacher. I'm exhausted. We all have the right to feel tired," Del Río expressed, opting not to delve into specific reasons for his decision.
The announcement stirred a wave of responses from former students, colleagues, and Cuban cultural figures, who lamented his departure and celebrated his impactful teaching legacy.
Former student Lisy Rojas Varela encapsulated the sentiment felt by many: "You were the best, let no one tell you otherwise. But you weren't the best just because you knew more (you did) or never skipped a class (you didn’t). You were the best because you never let extremism defeat you, because in your class we spoke our minds freely, and the only responsibility was to come prepared having watched the film."
In a related comment, critic and documentarian Yasmani Castro Caballero highlighted the institutional environment as a backdrop to Del Río's decision: "What a shame, but I completely understand because it's become very difficult to stay in a place where creativity is replaced by the production of meaningless things."
Another observer was more blunt about the implications of Del Río's exit: "What a foundational pillar they've let fall in that school and collapsing system..." Meanwhile, critic and professor Gustavo Arcos remarked: "Well, you know, for some people, it's preferable to maintain emptiness, meaninglessness, mediocrity. Talent, dedication, knowledge, and the energy and time we invest are of no consequence."
María Luisa Brito Hernández, who identified herself as part of FAMCA's first graduating class and a former faculty member, shared her own experience: "I also said goodbye as one bids farewell to something dear […] I spent two years in that faculty and got tired too."
In the comments, actress and broadcaster Laritza Camacho suggested Del Río start a podcast as a new educational platform. Del Río responded succinctly: "Laritza Camacho, visionary Aquarius... That's where I'm heading, to the podcast." Filmmaker Marilyn Solaya called the departure a "loss for future generations," while acknowledging the professor's right to feel worn out.
Del Río's departure is not an isolated incident. Holding a doctorate in Art Sciences, he is one of Cuba's most esteemed film critics with a history of clashes with official institutions. In December 2020, he was penalized by Juventud Rebelde newspaper —where he was a contributor— for criticizing the regime's televised campaign against artists and activists from the San Isidro Movement. At the time, he publicly condemned the "witch hunt" atmosphere and remarked that the newspaper's director disregarded his three decades of work there.
In November 2023, Del Río stood among over a hundred Cuban filmmakers opposing the appointment of Alexis Triana as president of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC).
His exit reflects a broader trend of rifts between Cuban cultural institutions and educators and intellectuals. Earlier this year, ISA professor Roberto Viña Martínez exposed his expulsion over political dissent. Nationally, Cuba began the 2024-2025 school year with a shortage of thousands of teachers, illustrating the systemic collapse of the educational framework under the dictatorial regime.
Another former student summed up the feelings of those who knew him in the classroom: "There's a generation of FAMCA students currently grateful for having had such a great teacher. Another generation will be regretting it, as I'm sure you'll be spoken of even if you're no longer in the classroom."
Key Insights into Joel del Río's Departure from FAMCA
Why did Joel del Río leave FAMCA?
Joel del Río cited exhaustion as his primary reason for leaving, although he did not elaborate further on specific causes.
How long did Joel del Río teach at FAMCA?
Joel del Río taught at the Faculty of Audiovisual Media Arts (FAMCA) for 16 years.
What was the reaction to Joel del Río's departure?
His departure prompted a wave of reactions from former students, colleagues, and cultural figures, who expressed sorrow and praised his teaching legacy.
What broader trend does Del Río's departure signify?
Del Río's exit is part of a larger trend of increasing fractures between Cuban cultural institutions and intellectuals, exacerbated by the regime's oppressive policies.