Discovery Channel Cuba documentary: Channel to debut groundbreaking series on Cuba
Discovery Channel has announced that "Cuban Chrome," the first U.S. TV series to be shot entirely on location in Cuba, will premiere on July 13 at 10 p.m.
Billed by the global mass media and entertainment company as the newest "groundbreaking" docu-series, "Cuban Chrome" is set to explore the island nation's fascination with American vintage cars.
After the 1959 Cuban Revolution and the ensuing embargo, importation of vehicles from the United States to Cuba had become illegal. This means that the country's vintage American cars are "frozen in time." The reality series will give the viewers an intimate look at how Cubans go to any lengths to preserve these cars and keep them running for generations to come.
"Cuban Chrome" will follow the members of A Lo Cubano Car Club, a group of car enthusiasts, mechanics and apprentices that rehabilitate and maintain classic cars. At the same time, it will delve into the lush culture of this rarely seen country and present an authentic perspective of its people's passion, dexterity and resilience.
Production access to the auto series was granted even before the historic announcement last December that the U.S. was re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba. Executive Producer Craig Piligian said in an interview with TV Insider that the team was at the island when President Barack Obama declared the relaxation of restrictions.
Piligian disclosed that the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) rejected his team's first request to travel and film in Cuba. OFAC is the Treasury Department division that administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions.
"It took a year and a half to get a license. We had to go back and ask more politely. Everything was done (in) very government-friendly (fashion). Everyone knew what we were doing and why we were doing it, and who we were doing it for," the producer said.
Discovery Channel first announced the docu-series, which Pilgrim Studios produced, last March. It will be simulcast in English on Discovery Channel and in Spanish on Discovery en Español.
