MRAC Cinema Club presents The Teacher who promised the Sea

Followed by refreshments Film release date: 2024 Film language: Spanish

Auditorium, Brolga Theatre

A historical drama directed by Patricia Fontes and based on a book, this film tells the true story, set in 1935, of an idealistic teacher posted to a small village in Burgos. He introduced inspirational and innovative teaching methods to his pupils and promised to take them to see the ocean.

However, this was the time of the Spanish Civil War and he was later murdered by Falangists. His story is interwoven with that of present day Ariadna, trying to get information on her great -grandfather who disappeared during the Civil War.

The film is a commentary on the power of memory and the importance of education. The film won the Gaudi Awards’ Audience Prize in 2024 and was an official selection at the Spanish Film Festival. Critics were universally complimentary with comments like ‘unmissable’, achingly beautiful’ and ‘a compelling portrayal of how trauma can have continuing and serious effects on subsequent generations’.