Shoot Down

Running time: 93 mins

In 1996, the Cuban military shot down two U.S. civilian aircraft and an unlikely heroine must piece together what happened and why.

On February 24, 1996 the unthinkable occurred: the Cuban government shot down two American planes flying in international airspace in search of Cubans fleeing their country on dilapidated rafts. This event led to the death of four American citizens, reopening old wounds between the United States and Cuba, and exposing a climate of political repression, treason and tragedy.

Director Cristina Khuly?s powerful film Shoot Down recounts the deadly events of that day, using actual radar tracks and FBI radio intercepts. The film also depicts the efforts of Maggie Khuly and her ten-year struggle to help the victims? families discover what really happened and why. It's an emotional journey that examines both the personal and political facets of this harrowing event, revealing a taut and suspenseful progression of conspiracy, confrontation and tragedy whose consequences reverberate to this day. As Cuba nears the end of a Castro led government, the film is a reminder of the challenges ahead.


Anh Nguyen

MAVERICK COMPETITION