Donkeyote

Donkeyote

Manolo leads a simple life in Southern Spain. He has two loves: his animals, in particular his donkey Gorrión (“Sparrow”), and wandering through nature. Against the advice of his doctor, he decides to plan one last walk in the US, the brutal 2200 mile Trail of Tears. But not without his donkey.

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Email: festivals@scottishdocinstitute.com

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donkeyotefilm.com/vod

“A gem of a documentary that you won't forget.”
Romy SomersetLittle White Lies
“Poignant documentary examining determination, resilience and the inevitability of ageing.”
David KettleThe Arts Desk
“What's so lovely here is Manuel's warmth and humanity - the way he lives with regrets and disappointment.”
Cath ClarkeThe Guardian Festival
“It's a moving tale, by turns heartbreaking and hilarious.”
Chris KnightNational Post
Donkeyote Poster

Original Film Poster

Synopsis

Manolo leads a simple life in the south of Spain. He has two loves: his animals, in particular his donkey Gorrión (“Sparrow”), and taking long wanders through nature. Against the advice of his doctor, he decides to plan one last walk by re-tracing the Trail of Tears, a brutal forced 2200-mile trek through the Native American Cherokee Nation.

Even though the United States is a very far and ambitious journey to make on foot, Manolo wants to take his favourite walking companions, Gorrión and his beloved dog, Zafrana.

But how to overcome the small obstacle of transporting a donkey, Manolo’s chronic arthritis, a history of heart attacks, and Gorrión’s fear of water? As their adventure continues, Manolo’s wondrous friendship with his animals finds a beautiful equilibrium, man and beast intrepidly braving the harsh landscape together. Will they find the American West? More importantly, will they be able to see life as it is, and not as it should be?

A man in a wide brimmed hat sits down with railway tracks behind him
A man in a wide brimmed hat and riding boots walks with his donkey in the countryside
Close up of a donkey's eye
A man in a wide brimmed hat and dark raincoat walks with his donkey in the countryside
A donkey facing the viewer

The Cast

MANOLO - AS HIMSELF

Manolo is 73 years old and lives in a tiny village in the northern hills of Cordoba (Spain) with his wife Mamen. Now that he is retired, he spends his time doing what he likes the most: walking and feeling free. He never walks alone,always with his friends Gorrión and Zafrana – and his Samsung Galaxy! While walking Manolo talks to his animals, recites poetry, sings tango and practices English with his headphones.

GORRIóN - AS HIMSELF
Gorrión is a ten year-old Andalusian donkey. He does not know where he misplaced his microchip or whether he ever had one. But that doesn’t worry him or his friend Manolo. He likes grass (lots of it) and walking in the countryside with Manolo. He does not like water or bridges or ships. This does not make him too enthusiastic about Manolo’s overseas plans but he’s a good sport. He gets on with Zafrana ok – if only she stopped barking once in a while.
DIRECTOR

Chico Pereira

PRODUCERS

Ingmar Trost, Sonja Henrici

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Noe Mendelle, Leslie Finlay

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Julian Schwanitz

PRODUCTION COMPANIES

Sutor Kolonko, SDI Productions, Opa Films

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

www.donkeyotefilm.com

FINANCING

ZDF/ARTE, Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, Creative Scotland

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