Preface: I have had many wonderful visits to Cuba and have many friendships there. Anything critical I have to say is merely to help my fellow tourists avoid inconvenient/difficult situations and thus have a better time!
The Charlie Chaplin Cinema in Havana has many wonderful posters in its lobby of revolutionary films. However, the cinema staff DOES NOT allow you to take pictures of them. Instead, they brusquely demand you go across the street to buy whatever overpriced postcards they sell.
I politely asked to speak to the jefe there for clarification. This was a mistake, as the responsable-a man in his 40's sitting at the desk there- became VERY huffy. I soon began to feel uncomfortable and left the theatre. One of his guards walked out and seemed as if he was going to follow me, and for a few minutes, I was scared he was going to confiscate my camera or my film! I took off running and ducked into a side street. Fortunately, he didn't follow me, he probably just wanted to scare me a little.
If you want to photograph the posters, you can either risk taking a few shots before they say "No", and then leave. Or, you can see if after the late show gets out, there's nobody in the lobby. Whatever you do, do it quickly!
Can't say I care for this post too much.
These posters have value and they want to make a few bucks with them.
That is their right and nothing wrong with doing that.
I'm with acanuck on this one. Many places in the world prohibit you from photographing their display items, art work, etc. I think as responsible travellers, one should respect their wishes/rules.
"Politely speaking to a jefe".... I wonder what that attitude is all about.
The objective in Cuba is to fit in, and pick up the vibe, and go with the flow... confrontations with ANYONE in authority Cuba are not good..
I've documented all the posters at the Charlie Chaplin with no problems.
If you had asked permission first, and slipped the manager a discrete tip, you would have been welcomed to take all the photos you wished.
Cheers,
Terry
PS Running away and hiding in a side street is silly behaviour too.
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