HBO Original Film FOR LOVE OR COUNTRY: THE ARTURO SANDOVAL STORY To Debut On Max Friday, December 20

In celebration of the Kennedy Center honoring Arturo Sandoval and prior to this Sunday's airing of the ceremony, Max will be bringing the 2000 multiple Emmy(R)-nominated HBO original film to Max for the first time this FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20.

Logline: The U.S. Embassy is about to play host to a defector and the defector is about to play for his life. Based on an incredible true story, FOR LOVE OR COUNTRY: THE ARTURO SANDOVAL STORY tells the powerful tale of a Cuban musician with a trumpet, a few scratched American LPs and a dream that would change his life forever. Frustrated by the Cuban government's response to his music, and after meeting American jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval secretly plans to escape to the U.S. Tied to Cuba by a love for his wife, family, and home, he cooperates with the government, going so far as to join the party in order to travel internationally. One night, on a European tour, he leaves a smoke-filled night club for a secret meeting at the U.S. Embassy. Fearful of being sent home, Sandoval's heart beats like never before. At risk is everything he loves. The prize is everything he dreams.

Cast: Starring Andy García, Mía Maestro, Gloria Estefan, David Paymer

Credits: Directed by Joseph Sargent; written by Timothy J. Sexton