Donkeyote is a part of the documentary strand at this year’s EIFF. Directed by Chico Pereira this is a film which documents one man’s lifestyle and more importantly his relationship with his best friend Gorrion, the donkey.
Both are joined by Zafrana, a dog, as the camera follows them on one of their many walks across the Spanish countryside.
A documentary in its most traditional form, this film uses the camera to immerse the audience in the subject making you feel a real connection with Manolo and Garrion. Director Pereira does a stunning job of reliving his childhood adventures with his uncle Manolo and allowing the audience to join in.
Donkeyote manages to capture the relationship between man and beast of burden in a way Hollywood movies could only dream of. The film shows the stubbornness of both as Garrion displays his fear of bridges. It also deals with emotional scenes with Manolo starting to realise his limitations at the age of 73.
The only downside to this movie is the faint narrative based on Manolo’s dream of walking the Trail of Tears in the USA.
This part of the story seems like something added perhaps to give meaning to the footage but almost taking away from the tale. This is the story of a wonderful man who has spent his life paving his very own path, sometimes to the detriment of his family’s mental health and at the expense of his own health.
Donkeyote is a film about a gallant knight on his journey, enjoying life as he wants and showing a strength that any Western film star could never achieve. Manolo indicates that in a modern world, you can’t escape technology, but you can always get away with your best friend and explore the world around you.
Official Trailer – Donkeyote from Scottish Documentary Institute on Vimeo.
