For our new bite-size interview series (15 minutes or less), we are joined by actor, writer and producer Eugenio Derbez to talk about his new independent film, in theatres November 3rd. Derbez talks about his role as producer, in addition to starring as the titular ‘radical’ schoolteacher, the challenge of tackling a dramatic role after a successful career in comedic films and television, and shares advice for young actors to create their own work when opportunities don’t present themselves.
Based on a true story, Derbez stars as Sergio Juarez, a teacher who brings his engaging yet unconventional teaching methods to his new 6th grade class. The results: the students go from some of the lowest test scores in Mexico, to placing as in the top percentile and, in one case, the highest score in the country.
“This isn’t a story about Mexico, it’s about all of Latin America. Lots of countries in the world are facing problems with their education system and I feel like it’s your responsibility to tell a story like this one; When they offered us the rights to make a movie with this real story about Paloma and Sergio, I did it because I wanted to make a change. I want people to know they can make a change when they have passion and inspiration and that’s why we made this movie. To try and make a change in the system in all of Latin America.”
Radical is in theatres November 5.
