RADICAL

In the challenging landscapes of Matamoros, a northeastern Mexican border town, the children of Jose Urbina Lopez Elementary confront more than just academic struggles. Ranked among the lowest performing in Mexico, these students are ensnared in a web of violence, poverty, and premature adult responsibilities. Their school, neglected and marred by corruption, seems to offer little solace or hope. But every storm has its silver lining, and for these students, it arrives in the form of Sergio Juarez, brilliantly portrayed by Eugenio Derbez.

Despite his initial inexperience, Sergio introduces a radical and transformative approach to teaching. As he ventures through the maze of a deteriorating educational system, he reignites a flame of curiosity and passion within these previously overlooked children. Among them is Paloma (Jennifer Trejo), a young dreamer with aspirations that reach the skies, hoping to one day become an aerospace engineer.

Christopher Zalla's Radical is a poignant tapestry of hope, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of youth. By weaving the stark realities faced by these children with the invigorating optimism brought by Sergio's methods, the film serves as a heartwarming testament to the incredible potential dormant within every child. Grounded in true events, Radical is not just a story, but an anthem of inspiration, showcasing the profound impact of belief, innovation, and the pursuit of dreams, no matter the odds.

Winner of Sundance Audience Award 2023