What is old age? What are all these years? These questions, posed by a charismatic elderly vocalist named Zaida, permeate Rosana Matecki’s poetic, compassionate and wise new documentary.

The Oldies follows Santa Clara, Cuba residents Zaida, Bringuez and Cándido as they struggle to stay passionately engaged in life and art at an age when simple tasks can be challenging. The film brims with warmth and intimacy: Zaida singing while cooking, Bringuez playing “Summertime” on the saxophone, Cándido examining his collection of antique photographs.

Zaida explains that she has been performing for 58 years, yet every time feels like the first time, “because to truly sing you have to surrender yourself.” Surrender to The Oldies and you will discover what it means to greet every day, every year, every passage of life, with curiosity and grace.