Following the screening of short films directed by each panelist, the discussion explored the processes behind the work of three Cuban women filmmakers as they navigate their experiences as immigrants while trying to maintain a sense of collective Cuban identity. Panelists included: cinematographer, photographer and director Heidi Hassan; award winning actress Yanay Penalba,; and director Tamara Segura. The panel was moderated by Zaira Zarza, a cultural studies doctoral candidate at Queen’s University whose current research focuses on post-2000 Cuban diasporic cinemas. In collaboration with Zarza’s Roots and Routes: Cuban Diasporic Cinemas of the 21st Century project, this Higher Learning event was held on April 2, 2015 at TIFF Bell Lightbox. To learn more about our upcoming events at TIFF Bell Lightbox and to access the Higher Learning Digital Resource Hub visithttp://www.tiff.net/higherlearning