Filmax defies expectations with ‘The Teacher Who Promised the Sea’ and its international success

The perception of non-English dramas

In the fast-evolving world of cinema, there’s a prevailing notion that non-English-language dramas struggle to find their footing in the global market. This assumption, bolstered by often lukewarm receptions at major festivals, doesn’t hold true across the board. Filmax’s latest release, The Teacher Who Promised the Sea, stands as a shining counterexample.

A powerful narrative set in tumultuous times

The Teacher Who Promised the Sea narrates a poignant story set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Chronicling the dark years marked by barbaric violence, this film delves deep into the personal tragedies and indomitable human spirit that characterized the era.

Extraordinary reception in Italy and Australia

The film, having been acquired by Officine UBU, made its Italian debut on September 19. Despite the absence of a renowned director or a high-profile cast, it performed exceptionally well, grossing €551,066 ($589,641) across 84 screens. Such a wide release for an art film is noteworthy by any standard.

Meanwhile, in Australia, Palace Films took the helm, releasing the movie on July 26. The film continues to perform strongly at the box office, amassing $436,744 and still running in cinemas across 22 screens. This impressive performance underscores its broad appeal and the universal resonance of its themes.

Expanding global footprint

The international journey of this film is far from over. Following successful releases in Romania and Russia, it is set to launch soon in Austria and Germany. Filmax’s collaboration with companies such as Nachshon Films in Israel, Angel Films in Scandinavia, and BookMyShow in India, alongside recent deals in Benelux, further solidify its standing on the global stage.

Crafting a compelling story

Directed by Patricia Font, a Goya award winner for her short film Café para llevar, The Teacher Who Promised the Sea beautifully interlaces two narratives separated by 75 years. The storyline begins in 2010 with Ariadna, portrayed by Laia Costa from Lullaby, embarking on a quest to fulfill her grandfather’s dying wish to locate his father’s remains in Burgos. This search leads her back to the ominous early days of the Spanish Civil War.

Parallel to Ariadna’s journey, the film revisits the life of Antoni Benaiges, a dedicated schoolteacher from 1934 to 1936, who deeply influenced his students with his innovative teaching methods inspired by French reformer Célestin Freinet. Enric Auquer’s portrayal of Benaiges has been independently lauded for its exuberance and inspiration.

Themes of resilience and the promise deferred

Benaiges’ visionary approach to education, encapsulated by his belief that “children have to learn what they want to be but, above all, to be children,” serves as an undercurrent throughout the movie. His establishment of a printing press for his students to journal their thoughts about the sea, which many had never seen, is a testament to his forward-thinking pedagogy. Unfortunately, Benaiges’ promise to take the children to see the sea in the summer of 1936 remained unfulfilled, adding a layer of poignancy to the narrative.

Critical acclaim and emotional impact

Enthusiastic reviews highlight the film’s ability to blend joy with underlying sadness. Australian critics particularly praised the work, noting Benaiges’ character as a beacon of hope and expansive horizons amidst dark times. The emotional weight of the storyline has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, leading to a notable €1.7 million ($1.9 million) takeoff in Spain.

The relevance in modern times

Despite its historical setting, the movie resonates strongly with contemporary audiences. The film’s release in Spain in November 2023 came at a time when modern freedoms were under threat, drawing unsettling parallels between past and present political climates. This contextual relevance undoubtedly contributed to its robust performance and widespread viewer engagement.

A universal story of human spirit

Iván Díaz, head of international at Filmax, underscores that the success of The Teacher Who Promised the Sea lies in its universal appeal and compelling narrative. Initially met with cautious interest from buyers wary of the market for dramas, its Spanish triumph turned the tide, making it one of the studio’s most internationally celebrated releases.

Filmax’s ability to bring such a locally rooted yet universally relatable story to global audiences proves that powerful storytelling knows no language barriers. The film continues to draw enthusiastic responses worldwide, reflecting the timeless relevance and profound emotional pull of its narrative.

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