Harlem at the Center of History: Power, Solidarity, and Lived Experience in Killing Castro

In the autumn of 1960, the energy of the Cold War shifted from diplomatic halls directly to the streets of Harlem. When Fidel Castro accepted Malcolm X’s invitation to stay at the Hotel Theresa, 125th Street became an unexpected focal point for global politics, community solidarity, and intense surveillance.

Directed by Eif Rivera, the film follows Castro (Diego Boneta) as he navigates a tightening web of intrigue spun by the CIA, FBI, and the Mafia during his visit to the United Nations. Al Pacino stars as a CIA operative orchestrating covert maneuver behind the scenes, pushing political tensions to their limit.

Rather than focusing solely on global figures, the story grounds itself in the lives of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. A young translator (Xolo Maridueña) finds himself torn between shifting loyalties and proximity to power, while a hotel worker (KiKi Layne) becomes a quiet witness to history unfolding in real time. Kendrick Sampson co-stars as Malcolm X, illustrating the profound cross-cultural alliances forged on the ground in Harlem.

Archival Record & Footage Context

This archival footage documents the intense public reaction and security presence surrounding the United Nations and Harlem during Castro's visits to New York City:

• Title: United Nations; Pro- And Anti-Castro Groups
• Asset ID: REC0063_0959
• Asset Type: Raw Footage
• Asset Date: 1979-10-05
• Duration: 00:02:52
• Coverage: Manhattan (New York, N.Y.)
• Creator: New York (N.Y.). Police Department. Bureau of Special Services
• Description: Additional description from police logbook: recorded by Tribble. Depicts pro- and anti-Castro demonstrations around the United Nations.
• Rights & Usage: The NYC Municipal Library and Archives does not authorize third-party copyright use. Patrons and researchers bear sole responsibility for securing necessary permissions via research@records.nyc.gov.