For many, a wrinkled face of an old woman with a cigar in her mouth is synonymous with Cuba. Or the old American cars in front of pastel-colored buildings. We all know those pictures, interspersed with a picture of Che, but is this really the Cuba of today? 

During my trip in Cuba, it struck me very quickly, how the population is a mix of Africans, Southern Europeans, and South Americans. This diversity of faces fascinates me a lot, but photographing people for me is not only about taking a good portrait, but also about immersing myself in the person. That’s why I decided to both photograph and interview people and I was struck and blown away by the Cubans kindness and openness. They were happy to talk to me about their dreams, their lives and hopes for the future. Many want to help build a better future for Cuba, while others want to leave Cuba and seek happiness in another country.