Explores the experience of eight women who, as young girls, taught on the Cuban Literacy Campaign of 1961.The film begins in 1961, when Cuba announced that they would eradicate illiteracy in one year. Over 250,000 citizens volunteered. Interviews, recorded testimonials, and powerful archival footage tell this story. The teachers lived with the families they taught, working alongside them in the fields during the day & teaching classes (often by lantern) at night. In the midst of the campaign, the Bay of Pigs was invaded, and in spite of the dangers and difficulties, their eyes sparkle as they share their stories and each of them insists this was the most important thing they had ever done.

Directed by: Catherine Murphy
catherine@theliteracyproject.org

http://www.maestrathefilm.org/

http://www.wmm.com