Havana ? Steven Spielberg discussed U.S.-Cuba cultural exchanges, history, politics, the environment and many other subjects during an eight-hour meeting in Havana with President Fidel Castro that ended early Tuesday.

Members of the American filmmaker’s delegation said he and Castro had lively discussions that began at a reception at 6:15 p.m. Monday, continued through dinner and ended about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Spielberg attended the Cuban premiere of his most recent film, “Minority Report,” later Tuesday.

Spielberg arrived Monday at the invitation of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Arts and Industry. As part of a cultural exchange, he met with young Cuban filmmakers.

Director Steven Spielberg waves before meeting Cuban artists at the Casa de Las Americas on the second day of his visit to Cuba. On Monday, Spielberg discussed U.S.-Cuba cultural exchanges, politics and many other subjects with President Fidel Castro

A film festival coinciding with Spielberg’s visit was being held in his honor, featuring eight of his movies: “Minority Report,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Jaws,” “Schindler’s List,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Empire of the Sun” and “Duel.”

Spielberg’s wife, actress Kate Capshaw, accompanied him on the trip, along with cinematographer Janusz Kaminski and television director Jake Paltrow.

On Monday, Spielberg said the United States should end its trade embargo against the communist-run island and allow more cultural interaction with Cubans.