An illuminating debut feature film from Léa Todorov, MARIA MONTESSORI explores difference, education, feminism, and the beginnings of the Montessori approach, used today in 35,000 Montessori schools across the globe.

At the turn of the 20th century, Lili d’Alengy (Leïla Bekhti), a famous Parisian courtesan and darling of the Parisian cabaret scene has a shameful secret – a daughter with a disability, Tina, whom she must hide to protect her career. Unwilling and unable to care for Tina, Lili decides to leave Paris for Rome, where she seeks help from Maria Montessori (Jasmine Trinca, 'Superheroes' IFF22, 'The Goddess of Fortune' IFF20), a doctor who is developing a revolutionary teaching method for children. But Maria also has a secret – a child born out of wedlock, and soon she will be forced to choose between her career and her child. Together, the two women will help each other to find their place in the world and establish a new vision of education.  

“The story about the educational reformer and her bond with a courtesan is captivating.” - Cine Magazine 

Italian Language, English Subtitles