Director Steven Spielberg has criticised the US trade embargo against Cuba after arriving on the island to host a festival of his films.

Speaking at a news conference in the capital Havana on Monday, he said: "I personally feel this embargo should be lifted.

"I don't see any reason for its existence beyond grudges carrying into the 21st Century."

Spielberg said he had seen several Cuban films in the past and found their scripts to be "interesting and passionate".

Guest

"I am here to meet a very rich and varied culture," he said before leaving for a tour of architectural renovation projects in the old part of the capital.

Festival films

ET Raiders of the Lost Ark Jaws Schindler's List Saving Private Ryan Empire of the Sun Duel

Spielberg is visiting the communist-run island as a guest of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Arts and Industry.

He is meeting filmmakers and visiting the International School of Film and Television, which trains students from around the world in movie-making.

On Tuesday night, the director will launch a festival of his films by attending the Cuban premiere of his most recent work, Minority Report.

Reception

He will showcase some of his greatest creations, including ET, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Empire of the Sun and Duel.

Spielberg, who is Jewish, is also scheduled to visit Havana's main synagogue.

His trip has special dispensation from the US authorities

And he will attend a reception with US diplomats and their families stationed in Havana.

His wife, actress Kate Capshaw is accompanying him, along with cinematographer Janusz Kaminski and TV director Jake Paltrow, the brother of actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Spielberg's visit has been given the go-ahead by the US Treasury Department because it is a non-commercial cultural exchange.

Ordinarily, US citizens have to get special dispensation to visit the island ruled by Fidel Castro since 1959.

Several actors have previously visited the country, including Kevin Costner, Robert Redford and the late Jack Lemmon.