EL CIRCO DE LOS MUCHACHOS

The docuseries tells the incredible story of Ciudad de Los Muchachos (City of Boys), founded by Father Jesús Silva, known as “el Cura” (the Priest), who, together with 15 boys, created a city and an educational project from scratch for underprivileged children in Franco’s Spain in 1956 in Benposta, a farm on the outskirts of Ourense (Galicia). Silva created a “nation of boys,” with its own currency, passport, and even customs, governed by children, and with the approval of Franco’s government and church, where, in the midst of dictatorship, they had democratic processes to elect their mayors. Over time, Benposta became a city steeped in art, education, and enthusiasm, and Silva founded “El Circo de los Muchachos” (The Children’s Circus), a fascinating show that toured the world, impressing audiences with its circus skills and even triumphing at the Grand Palais in Paris and Madison Square Garden in New York.

The City of Boys attracted the attention of sociologists, educators, and art experts from around the world. However, over time, it was plagued by external and internal political conflicts, facing controversies and rebellions that led to the decline of Father Silva’s megalomaniacal management.

A documentary series by

Prime Video & Vaca Films

Directed by Elías León

Written by Elías León & Juan Alba

Produced by Borja Pena & Elías León

DoP: Hernán Pérez

Edited by Juan Alba, Jaume Patrís, Miguel Ariza & Sebastián Antico.

Original soundtrack by Federico Jusid

Line producer: Diego Polo

Production supervisor: Cristina Morales