Hola, America! Actor defectors denounce Cuba

Hola, America! Actor defectors denounce Cuba
By NICOLE DANNA in Miami and BETH DEFALCO in NY
Last Updated: 2:33 AM, May 1, 2012
Posted: 1:09 AM, May 1, 2012

They're hoping for a Hollywood ending.

The two Cuban actors who defected in Miami as they headed to the TriBeCa
Film Festival for a screening of their film about twins escaping the
Communist island, told The Post yesterday they want to stay in America
to pursue their show-business dreams.

Had they not defected themselves, "we would have wound up being like
every other Cuban,'' said Javier Nunez Florian, speaking for both
himself and his co-star and girlfriend Anailin de la Rua de la Torre.

"I would have continued to be a waiter, and she would have kept selling
jewelry.

"We want to better our lives, and to help our parents," he said through
a translator.

Their film, "Una Noche,'' won several awards at the festival — including
best new director and best cinematography. Nunez shared the best actor
award, although he wasn't there to claim it.

"We are very happy to be here,'' said de la Rua, "We're very proud of
the awards the movie won.''

Nunez said, "The film was never shown in Cuba. There we would not be
able to become an artist or an actor."

The 20-year-olds play two of three people who attempt to float to
freedom on a raft. Nunez's character dies.

The two have been living in Miami since their defection April 18.

Their immigration lawyer, Wilfredo Allen, said they would be persecuted
if they returned.

"Actors and dancers are viewed as something to glorify the revolution
with, so when they defect, they are viewed as traitors," said Allen.

"They don't want to be in a system where their lives and their choices
are not their own. ''

Allen is confident they'll be granted asylum.

Until their status is settled, they plan to live in Las Vegas with
Nunez's brother, who works in a restaurant.

Both said that until acting opportunities turn up, they're willing to
take any job to support themselves.

The two stars have been dating since filming the movie about a year ago.

As for the possibility of marriage, that part of the script has yet to
be written.

"In the future, perhaps,'' Nunez said.

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