The hidden and historic Habanos factories - revealed in the film

Hidden Habanos factories? Yes - in a way, they really are. Not because they have disappeared into the shadows of history, but because people pass them by carelessly without realising which world-famous cigar brands were once created here - and which personalities were behind them. Their owners were characters of fascinating contradictions: visionary, eccentric, sometimes unscrupulous. In this film, their stories - and their true faces - are revealed without compromise. This is far more than just a documentary film - it is a journey into the soul of Cuba. Havana, the legendary capital, is inextricably linked with the myth of Habanos. Rolled by hand, perfected from generation to generation and appreciated worldwide, these cigars are still considered masterpieces of craftsmanship today.

A film you should not miss

In June 2023, we embarked on a unique tour of the former Havana factories to follow in the footsteps of history. The result is a film that combines culture, emotion and tradition - and shows why Habanos are still more than just a luxury good today.

LIVE preview on YouTube

The film celebrated its premiere on 25 July 2023. Preview live on YouTube - an event that had already generated a lot of enthusiasm in the run-up to the event.

A few seconds before the LIVE pre-premiere. I'm already very excited!

The countdown already got the tension rising. Viewers exchanged their expectations in the live chat, and when the first images flickered across the screen, it was clear that this was going to be an evening full of emotion and historical insights.

The response in the chat was overwhelming. Comments full of admiration for the images shown and the historical significance of Habanos showed that this topic is moving. Many were grateful to be able to experience Cuba and its cigar history so intensively - without having to be there themselves.

To summarise: the premiere was a complete success and whetted the appetite for more.

Havana's past on film: Hidden Habanos factories

The film takes you to places that few people still know today. Our journey begins at the majestic Capitolio, which, although not a cigar factory itself, was considered the logistical centrepiece of the industry. This is where the valuable tobacco bales once arrived by train - and dozens of factories were set up around this area.

Havana was once a vibrant centre of the cigar world: more than 500 manufactories were located within a radius of just 500 metres. Historic Old Havana was just 8 square kilometres in size at the time - and yet it was the centre of global cigar production.

The highlights of the tour

During filming, we visited the ten largest and most important former Habanos factories. Each building told its own story: sometimes touching, sometimes dramatic, sometimes full of pride.

The historian Claudia Puszkar leads through the programme and talks about 40 impressive minutes, that will delight connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

From magnificent buildings where the best torcedores in the world once worked, to places that are now derelict and barely accessible - the film documents a cultural heritage that must not be forgotten.

A piece of world history

„In the Heart of Havana: Historic Habanos Manufactories“ is more than just a film about cigars. It is a piece Cultural history, which shows how closely Habanos are linked to Cuba's identity.

For all those who The fascination of Habanos and want to understand the soul of Cuba, this film is a must-see.

Picture credits

• Vasilij Ratej
• Claudia Puszkar

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External website: You can find even more videos at Zigarren.Zone

What is in your drawers?

Some chapters in the history of cigars still lie in hidden in drawers, archives or private collections. Do you own Records, documents or references to Cuban cigar brands? Or do you know Sources, that could help with historical research? Then please send us an e-mail. Claudia Puszkar will contact you personally and discuss everything else with you. Together we can Bringing buried stories back to light. 👉 admin@origin-of-cigar.com

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