Well-timed, I imagine, given the Obama administration’s announced intentions to re-establish relations with Cuba. Most recently, in January of 2015, they lightened restrictions on U.S. citizen travel to Cuba, and President Obama and Cuba’s President Raúl Castro met in April – the first meeting between leaders of the two countries in over fifty years!

Broad Green Pictures announced today production of a follow-up to the 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary "Buena Vista Social Club," which catapulted Cuba’s vibrant music and culture onto the global stage.

To be titled "Buena Vista Social Club – Adios," Academy Award nominee Lucy Walker will direct the sequel, with Christine Cowin and Zak Kilberg producing. This time around, with the band on their final and hugely ambitious world tour, the 5 original band members will take audiences on an intimate journey, revealing their personal and professional highs and lows since the 1999 film, while remembering the infamous and beloved band members no longer with us. The tour will culminate in a series of homecoming concerts in Havana.
 
Set against the political, social and cultural backdrop of this rapidly evolving time in Cuban history, this film will cement the legacy of the band, the musicians and the music, at the end of an era.

Broad Green Pictures is financing the project and will lead production alongside Blink TV and Convergent Media (formerly Social Construct Media). Broad Green has worldwide rights to the film and will distribute in the United States, with Mister Smith Entertainment handling international sales. International sales conversations will begin at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. 

Director Lucy Walker stated, “The original BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB movie introduced the world to a group of fantastically charming and talented musicians who have inspired the world with their stories, hearts and music. Those are big shoes to fill and I am honored to follow in the footsteps of such a beloved, popular movie about such beloved, popular artists, and it’s especially fascinating during this important moment in Cuban history.”  

“BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB was such a culturally moving film that evoked such a passionate response from audiences and critics worldwide.  We are honored to be part of continuing this beautiful story alongside a filmmaker we admire.” said Daniel Hammond, Broad Green’s Chief Creative Officer.

In a joint statement from Blink TV and Convergent Media, the companies said, “We could not be more pleased with the assembled team including Lucy Walker and Broad Green. This process so far has been an absolutely positive creative collaboration between all of us, including the band, World Circuit and Montuno. We know this documentary about the BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB final tour will align perfectly with the band’s incredible legacy.”

Principal photography is slated to begin in July 2015, with a theatrical release targeted for 2016.

Here’s a trailer for the original film.