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The Boy Who Changed America

A Storyville documentary: the story of Elian Gonzalez and the bitter custody battle between his Cuban father and American relatives that played out in the aftermath of his rescue.

On 25 November 1999, a six-year-old Cuban boy was found floating alone off the Florida coast after his mother drowned during an attempt to escape Cuba for the United States. Set against the tense and acrimonious relationship between the two countries, The Boy Who Changed America tells the story of Elian Gonzalez and the bitter custody battle that played out in the aftermath of his rescue between his Cuban father and American relatives. Eighteen years later and in the wake of Fidel Castro's death, the now 23-year-old Elian and his family tell their story for the first time.

1 hour, 24 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Tim Golden
Director Ross McDonnell
Producer Trevor Birney

Broadcast