Watch Biblioburro: The Donkey Library

Biblioburro: The Donkey Library is a heartwarming documentary film that follows the journey of an elementary school teacher, Luis Soriano, who uses his two donkeys, Alfa and Beto, as a mobile library to bring books to the remote villages in the rural areas of Colombia. Directed by Carlos Rendon Zipagauta, this 2008 film showcases the power of education and the impact that it has on individuals and communities.

The film is set in the northern part of Colombia, where a low literacy rate is prevalent due to the lack of resources and accessibility. Luis Soriano, a teacher by profession and an avid reader himself, takes it upon himself to bring books to the children living in these remote areas who don't have access to them. He loads his donkeys with books and travels far and wide through the rugged terrain, crossing rivers and mountains to reach the children who are eagerly waiting for him.

Using animated graphics, the film captures the stark contrast between the bustling cities and the rural, poverty-stricken areas of Colombia. The film highlights the meager resources available to the children, some of whom travel for miles just to attend school. Luis understands the power of education to overcome poverty and has made it his mission to provide access to books for the children who need them the most. He spends his weekends and holidays traveling to remote villages to provide storybooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries and other educational materials to the children.

The film also sheds light on the challenges Luis faces while executing his mission. The villages where he travels are remote, and he has to navigate the rough terrain to reach them. On one occasion, he had to cross a river on foot while carrying heavy boxes of books on his shoulders. He sleeps in makeshift tents or schoolhouses and endures harsh weather conditions like scorching heat or heavy rain. He is also met with skepticism by some villagers who question his intentions, convinced that he is a con artist. However, his unwavering determination and the love he has for the children always wins them over.

The film also introduces us to some of the children who have benefited from Luis's library project. We see how the donkeys have become an integral part of the lives of the children, who not only borrow books but also learn how to take care of the animals. We see them read to each other, taking turns to tell stories and learning to pronounce difficult words. We see the joy on the faces of the children as they read books that they would never have been able to access otherwise.

Through the eyes of Luis, the film also highlights the impact that education has on communities. He believes that the knowledge gained through reading will not only change the lives of the children but also that of their families and the broader community. He believes that education empowers individuals and helps to build stronger communities. The film shows how the children who have access to books are better equipped to take on life's challenges and dream big.

The film Biblioburro: The Donkey Library is an inspirational and touching documentary that showcases the importance of education and the power of determination. It reminds us that education is a fundamental right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to it. It also highlights the change that one person can make in the world, and how a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect. The film is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the transformative power of education and the importance of providing access to it.

Biblioburro: The Donkey Library is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.