Honoring the Legacy of My Grandfather, Manuel Magariño
My love for photography was born long before I held a camera of my own. It began in the quiet, beautiful moments spent with my grandfather, Manuel Magariño Flores—a man whose life behind the lens left a profound legacy in Cuban journalism and sports cinematography.
From a very young age, I was captivated by the stories he told, not just with his words, but with his photographs. His home was filled with rolls of film, stacks of prints, and equipment that felt like relics of another era. He would patiently explain how light worked, how to tell a story in a single frame, and how powerful a camera could be in the right hands. Those moments were more than memories—they were the seeds of my passion.
My grandfather wasn’t just a photographer; he was a visual historian. For over four decades, he captured the heart and soul of Cuban sports. His work documented historic moments across the globe—four Central American Games, five Pan American Games, three Olympic Games, and numerous world championships. Whether filming an athlete in motion or capturing the emotion of victory and defeat, his eye for detail and narrative was unmatched.
One of his proudest contributions was his work on the documentary Cali 254, which earned recognition in Italy. He also collaborated with the legendary Santiago Álvarez on Cerro Pelado, a powerful account of the Cuban delegation’s journey to the 10th Central American and Caribbean Games amidst political hostility. His camera didn't just film events—it told the story of a resilient nation and the athletes who carried its flag with pride.
Though he retired in 2002, his impact continues to be felt. His films were not only artistic achievements but also strategic tools, helping Cuban specialists analyze foreign athletes to improve training back home. His love for photography and commitment to his country earned him numerous national honors, including the Félix Elmuza Distinction and the Martyrs of Barbados Medal.
He passed away in 2021, but I carry his memory and legacy with me in everything I do. Every time I pick up my camera, I think of him. His influence lives in my work, in my eye, and in my heart.
This blog is not just a tribute to his remarkable career—it’s a thank you. For the lessons, the love, and the lens through which he taught me to see the world.
— With love and gratitude
You can read more on his interview on the link below ,it is in Spanish but it can be translated
