World Cinema Amsterdam | Internationaal filmfestival | 18 – 27 Augustus 2016

ERNESTO DARANAS SERRANO | CUBA | 2014 | 108' | SPANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES

Heart-warming classroom drama which was not only a huge hit in Cuba, but was also well-received internationally, as witnessed by the many awards the film has garnered at a wide range of film festivals worldwide. Many regard the film as the Cuban answer to Dead Poets Society.

Aging teacher Carmela, a role beautifully played by Alina Rodríguez, has a soft spot for children from broken families, children who grow up in poverty, in short, children who are struggling. Chala for instance, an 11-year-old troublemaker who provides for his drug and alcohol addicted mother by training dogs for illegal dogfights and with other odd jobs. After yet another incident, the head teacher wants to expel Chala from school, but Carmela comes to the kid's defence. This however brings her into conflict with the school board and she is threatened with suspension.

Conducta is not a political pamphlet, although director Ernesto Daranas does depict several social wrongs, such as poverty, prostitution and drug addiction. Above all, the film is a passionate and authentic plea for understanding and compassion, due to the subtle script, written by Daranas himself, the excellent acting and the remarkable camera work.