Radical

12-year-old Paloma and her father make a living collecting rubbish. Nico works with his brother for the narcos. Lupe, on the other hand, has to look after her younger siblings. Everyday life for the three of them is characterised by fear and violence. They attend the José Urbina López school together - the worst in the whole of Mexico. Their new head of class, Sergio, chooses a special way to free his pupils from the dead end of a lack of prospects. With empathy and creativity, he manages to win the children's affection and teach them knowledge in a playful way. However, his unconventional teaching methods meet with little acceptance in the staffroom.

Director Christopher Zalla has filmed the true, inspiring story of Sergio Juárez Correa, who still teaches in Matamoros. Humorous and honest, the film conveys how much undiscovered potential can lie dormant in children. Alongside his terrific amateur actors, Latin star Eugenio Derbez embodies the passionate teacher with heart and soul. An encouraging feel-good film that goes straight to the heart and shows how important and formative a teacher can be.

"An outstanding film about an important topic." (DFM)