Educational Media Reviews Online

1961 was a socially significant year for the country of Cuba. The invasion of Cuba’s Bay of Pigs on April 17th of that year was a profound historical event. The 1961 Literacy Campaign was also a remarkable event that changed the course of history for the Caribbean island nation. Maestra is a historical documentary made up of interviews, testimonials and archival footage of a social movement that will forever speak volumes.

It’s the story of young people answering the call to volunteer as literacy teachers during Cuba’s most hostile period. Anyone who has ever taught someone how to read, formally or informally, will enjoy this film immensely. Literacy is the foundation of learning, you cannot do math or science without being able to read and write. Educators from all disciplines will appreciate the experiences shared in this film. It supports history, social science and education. Working with adult learners who have never gone to school is challenging for even the most seasoned of teachers. Just imagine what it must have been like for these girls who were teaching students old enough to be their parents. These literacy volunteers embedded themselves into the lives of people who wanted to learn how to read. Indeed, this was no ordinary job. Viewers will be impressed with the resilience displayed by these young ladies, considering the circumstances they were under. They knew they had an important job to do and they did it with professionalism and valor. Maestra is appropriate for both academic and public libraries. Academic libraries that support institutions with education programs should consider adding this film to their collection.

Awards

• Black Maria Film Festival, Winner, Director's Choice Award
• Indie Fest, Winner, Best Woman Filmmaker Award