In the 1970s, in the midst of Franco's dictatorship, a Spanish circus astonished the world: the Circo de los Muchachos, which was the visible face of Benposta, a children's republic run by Father Silva: the story of the rise and fall of one of the most unique utopias of the 20th century.
In the 1970s, in the midst of Franco's dictatorship, a Spanish circus astonished the world: the Circo de los Muchachos, which was the visible face of Benposta, a children's republic run by Father Silva: the story of the rise and fall of one of the most unique utopias of the 20th century.
5 episodes
Galicia, 1960s. With fifteen children and a motorbike, Father Silva creates Benposta, a city governed by children called upon to change the world whose message finds an unusual showcase that quickly triumphs worldwide.
Runtime: 49 min1970-1975: After disastrous beginnings, the Circo de los Muchachos achieves unprecedented international success and Benposta becomes an educational benchmark; but the children grow up and want to take an active part in its future, thus the Priest's leadership is questioned.
Runtime: 57 min1975-1985: The Circo de los Muchachos tours the five continents in an unusual journey full of excesses and surreal experiences; while, in Benposta, far from the glamour of the circus, there are major difficulties: the Priest has been unable to keep up with the pace of democratic Spain and is on the verge of bankruptcy.
Runtime: 54 min1985-2000: Problems worsen when, in the initially successful Spanish Welfare State, Benposta runs out of children and the Priest has to go to America and Africa in search of new members; while an urban development plan threatens to destroy the utopia and a merciless war breaks out, pitting politics and the media against each other.
Runtime: 60 min2000s: The former muchachos revolt to save Benposta or dethrone the leader, a fratricidal struggle that darkens the last years of the Priest. What remains today of that utopia?
Runtime: 57 min