The Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) has presented The Master, a documentary produced by Advenire Films that explores the life and thought of Francisco de Vitoria, founder of the School of Salamanca and one of the most influential voices in the European intellectual tradition. The film is part of the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of his appointment to the chair of First Theology at the University of Salamanca in 1526.
The premiere took place at the CaixaBank All in One Space in Madrid and brought together representatives from the university, academic, and cultural communities. The event was attended by Ignacio Cosidó, president of the Institute for the Global Common Good at Francisco de Vitoria University; Juan Antonio Peña, director of Institutions in Madrid at CaixaBank; and Lupe Belmonte, director of the documentary.
Through testimonies from professors, researchers, and specialists, as well as a tour of the historic sites associated with the Dominican philosopher, The Master It explores the relevance of questions posed by Francisco de Vitoria five centuries ago that continue to challenge today’s society: the dignity of every person, the limits of power, justice in times of conflict, the responsibility of institutions, and the role of education in the face of the challenges of each era.
A master who continues to engage with our times
Far from taking an exclusively historical approach, the documentary establishes a dialogue between the 16th century and contemporary concerns. Wars, social crises, technological challenges, polarization, and the mission of the university are all linked to the ideas that Vitoria developed in the classrooms of Salamanca.
This production portrays a thinker who was able to address the major debates of his time with intellectual depth and a focus on concrete reality. His defense of the equality of humankind, the right of peoples to self-governance, and the need to subject the exercise of power to principles of justice make him a key figure for understanding many of today’s debates.
In addition to his contribution to the development of the law of nations—considered a precursor to modern international law—the documentary highlights a lesser-known aspect of Francisco de Vitoria: his dedication to teaching and his ability to mentor generations of students called upon to transform society.
The University as a Space for Inquiry and Critical Thinking
One of the central themes of The Master It is a reflection on the mission of the university. Through interviews with faculty members from UFV and the University of Salamanca, the documentary celebrates the role of the professor as a teacher capable of sparking intellectual curiosity, guiding students, and connecting knowledge to life’s fundamental questions.
The work invites us to reconsider the role of higher education in a context marked by an overabundance of information and rapid technological change. In light of this, it highlights the need to reclaim spaces for reflection, critical thinking, and the shared pursuit of truth.
In this regard, the documentary presents Francisco de Vitoria as an example of a teacher committed to his time, capable of challenging prevailing ideas when necessary and of taking on the responsibility of educating people who are prepared to face the complexities of the world.
A project launched to mark the 500th anniversary of the School of Salamanca
The presentation of The Master It is part of the commemorative “ programme ” (School of Thought) project launched by Francisco de Vitoria University to mark the 500th anniversary of the School of Salamanca (1526–2026), an initiative that seeks to bring the historical and contemporary significance of this tradition of thought to the general public.
During the event, participants highlighted the relevance of Francisco de Vitoria’s contributions today and the importance of sharing his legacy beyond the academic sphere. The documentary serves precisely this purpose: to bring to the screen a figure whose influence has transcended centuries and borders, and to show how his questions continue to help us understand the challenges of the present.
With The Master, Francisco de Vitoria University reaffirms its commitment to promoting humanist thought and to a vision of the university as a community of inquiry, dialogue, and service to the common good.
Production Data
- Title:The Master
- Production: Advenire Films
- Promotes: Francisco de Vitoria University
- Address: Lupe Belmonte
- Context: 500th Anniversary of the School of Salamanca (1526–2026)
