Now in Cinemas: Radical

In a Mexican border town plagued by neglect, corruption, and violence, a frustrated teacher tries a radical new method to break through his students’ apathy and unlock their curiosity, their potential… and maybe even their genius. Based on a true story.

José Urbina López Primary School, a forgotten elementary school in Matamoros (Mexico), is where teachers are sent if they fail elsewhere – or perhaps anger the wrong person within the corrupt educational system. The area is plagued by frequent killings and drug-related crime. It’s where Sergio Juárez (played by Eugenio Derbez, who also starred in Oscar winner CODA) starts the school year filled with idealistic educational ideas. He soon finds out that he has to overcome obstacles he never saw coming.

‘There’s a teacher who does things differently,’ says Niko, who’s on the fence between school and mixing up with the local criminals. Another one of Sergio’s pupils is Paloma, a math genius living by a dumpster with her sickly dad who scavenges scrap materials to make ends meet. And thoughtful Lupe is pressured by her family to stay at home and help out. Based on the story real-life teacher Sergio Juárez Correa, whose unconventional teaching methods managed to successfully unlock children’s potential.

The film was previously shown at the Movies that Matter Festival 2024.