The Teacher Who Promised the Sea (M)

Inspired by extraordinary true events, Patricia Font’s superb new drama follows a charismatic teacher whose progressive outlook transforms the lives of a group of young students on the eve of the Spanish Civil War, but places him in the crossfire of local authorities.

1935. Idealistic Catalonian educator Antoni Benaiges is appointed as the new schoolmaster of a small, isolated village in the province of Burgos. With an innovative approach, he soon wins over his reluctant pupils, a group between the ages of six and twelve who are used to being instructed by the strict local priest. Inspiring his young charges to hope and to broaden their horizons, Antoni even promises to take them the ocean for the first time…

Meanwhile, 75 years later, Ariadna is attempting to uncover what happened to her great grandfather - a man who disappeared during the war - leading her to discover the emotional story behind Antoni’s promise.

A major word of mouth hit at the Spanish box office in early 2024, Font’s film is an eloquent and deeply moving tale of the power of education and the importance of never letting the lessons of history be forgotten.

Cast: Laia Costa, Ramón Agirre, Enric Auquer, Luisa Gavasa, Milo Taboada, Nicolás Calvo, Alba Hermoso, Gael Aparício

Director: Patricia Font

★★★★★ "A gem. An unmissable film revolving around memory, both the loss of it and the importance of maintaining it, that shows that learning is the only way that children can conquer their future" AUSTRALIAN BOOK REVIEW

★★★★★ "Authentic and moving. A heartfelt and compelling portrayal of how trauma can have continuing and serious effects on subsequent generations." GLAMADELAIDE

★★★★ "A joy. Wonderfully done. A film full of beautiful moments that puts the history smack bang in our faces and asks us not to look away" AUSTRALIAN

★★★★ "Powerful. A tenderly realised and strikingly well shot film, anchored by a fine performance by Auquer" LIMELIGHT

★★★★ "Very beautiful. A work of moving delicacy and tenderness" CINEMANÍA