Theron denies pro-US bias in film

East of Havana received its UK premiere in Edinburgh on Friday

Actress Charlize Theron has denied a documentary made by her production company shows a pro-American bias in the problems facing Cuba.

East of Havana tells of three young rappers whose love of hip-hop faces censorship by the Communist government.

It has faced criticism for taking a rose-tinted view of the Caribbean island and for ignoring the effects of a trade embargo by the US.

But Theron insisted it was "ridiculous" to claim it was a political statement.

"I think in the film we really address the America-Cuba relationship.

"If there is any political comment it was through [the characters'] voices - it's their story not our story," the South African-born Oscar-winner said.

"In no way are we saying America isn't at fault here."

She added: "Do you actually think in America this is seen as a pro-American film?

"If we really made a film about the embargo it wouldn't make sense. It's ridiculous."

The movie was written and directed by Jauretsi Saizarbitoria and Emilia Menocal, with whom Theron attended its UK premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.