Alberto Guerra lived four months in Japan for 'Ha-chan, shake your booty!'; the challenge that transformed his career

Cuban actor Alberto Guerra is advancing his international career with the film "Ha-chan, shake your booty!," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is set for a commercial release in the United States on September 25. The movie's stars, including Rinko Kikuchi, Alejandro Edda, and Guerra himself, shared the release news on Instagram.

The film tells the story of Haru, a woman devoted to ballroom dancing. Alongside her partner Luis, she competes in various events in Tokyo. However, a tragedy plunges her into deep depression, from which she recovers with the help of Fedir, her new dance instructor, and with whom she falls in love.

“

There is a misconception that all Cubans dance well and have rhythm, but I am living proof that it is not so... the character dances a lot, when my wife saw the movie she said it wasn't me, because I always step on her.

Guerra's involvement in the project required him to live in Japan for four months. Invited directly by director Josef Kubota Wladyka, Guerra also had to learn to dance professionally for his role. He admitted in a past interview that he is not naturally skilled at dancing, joking that his wife, actress Zuria Vega, didn't recognize him in the film because he always steps on her feet.

To prepare, Guerra took dance classes in Japan for two months. He enjoyed the experience of learning a new skill and immersing himself in a culture vastly different from his own. However, he also experienced cultural shock, noting the contrast between Japanese reserve and the more physically affectionate greetings common in Latin cultures. Guerra also previously shared the screen with Damián Alcázar in this project.

“

In Japan, I suddenly became aware that what I needed was a hug. In Mexico, we are accustomed to greeting and hugging, kissing, laughing, and giving a pat on the head, something that doesn't happen there.