Radical

The story unfolds in 2011, a year when cartel-related violence and social upheaval affected daily life in parts of Mexico. Schools faced pressure to lift test scores under government mandates, often at the expense of meaningful learning. The period frames a clash between traditional schooling and innovative approaches.

Jose Urbina Lopez Elementary sits in a densely populated, under-resourced neighborhood of Matamoros. The building reflects the challenges in a region marred by poverty and cartel violence, with limited facilities and few computers to aid learning. The setting highlights the contrast between the students' potential and the constraints of their environment.

💡 Innovation

Sergio rejects rote teaching and embraces independent thinking, encouraging students to solve problems creatively. He uses unconventional visuals and activities to make math meaningful even with scarce resources. The approach aims to unlock potential beyond test scores and inspires active engagement in class.

🔥 Violence & Safety

The school operates in a context of cartel violence that threatens students and disrupts learning. This external danger tests teachers' resolve and students' sense of security, shaping daily life and decisions. Traumatic events, including the death of a student, destabilize progress and deepen the stakes of education.

🎓 Education & Aspiration

Learning is portrayed as a vehicle for social ascent, with teachers and classmates pushing beyond the barrio’s limits. Sergio’s methods aim to prepare students for futures beyond poverty, including opportunities in tech and business. Paloma’s dream of becoming an astronaut embodies the transformative power of education.

⚖️ Morality & Debate

The open discussion of ethical issues, such as abortion, becomes a catalyst for resistance from administrators and a test of students’ voices. Sergio defends student-led inquiry, challenging constraints while navigating institutional boundaries. The moral conversations catalyze character development and highlight the tension between authority and conscience.