Pantelion Films and Participant released a teaser trailer for the movie Radical on Thursday. The film opens in theaters Oct. 20.
Eugenio Derbez plays Sergio Juarez in the true story of the teacher's experience at Mexico's lowest testing middle school. Based on the Wired article by Joshua Davis, Juarez inspires a class of sixth-graders to learn more about science.
The trailer shows some of Juarez's unique teaching methods, such as turning overturned desks into a problem solving activity. The school director (Daniel Haddad) cautions Juarez not to challenge the status quo too much.
The trailer shows the influence of gang members on the young students but does not focus on that element of the story. Set in Mexico, Radical is a Spanish-language movie with English subtitles.
Radical premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Its Festival Favorite Award is touted in the trailer.
UPI reviewed Radical at the festival. As inspiring teacher movies go, Radical held up against Stand and Deliver and Lean on Me, surpassing the likes of Dangerous Minds and Coach Carter.
Christopher Zalla adapted the article and directed Radical. Derbez also produces with Ben Odell and Joshua Davis. Jenifer Trejo, Mia Fernanda Solis and Danilo Guardiola also
Participant, a media company focused on art that highlights activism, partnered with Pantelion and 3PAS studios on Radical in July.