A box office hit in Spain; CHECKMATES is a feel-good family film based on an incredible true story of a group of students overcoming great odds.
Teacher Candela (Alexandra Jiménez, also in IDOL AFFAIR and THE TENDERNESS) mistakenly believed climbing the social ladder only went one way: up. Now, after a traumatic and unexpected divorce, Candela’s life slides into mediocrity. She loses her job at an elite private school and finds herself forced to turn to her family for help.
Hoping for a second chance, she gets offered the opportunity to return to her old high school in a humble neighbourhood of Zaragoza and teach a group of socially marginalised students. With the game of chess, Candela brings her students together as a team that has a chance to compete in a national tournament.
Directed and co-written by Nacho G. Velilla (NO MANCHES FRIDA) this heartfelt tale about fairness and overcoming differences is loosely inspired by a real-life Zaragoza teacher.
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Málaga Film Festival 2024
"As inspirational as it is emotional."
- Mundo Cine
Tuesday 11th June
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98 min
15+
Luis Callejo, Alexandra Jiménez, Francesc Orella, Maria Adánez, Miguel Rellán
Nacho G. Velilla
Film Festival
Spanish with English subtitles
Palace Balwyn Cinema, Palace James Street, Palace Barracks, Palace Norton St, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Pentridge Cinema, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Electric, Palace Byron Bay, Palace Ballina Fair, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Central Sydney, Palace Moore Park, Kino Cinema, Palace Raine Square
