Saving one of the World’s most beloved animals from extinction.
ROSALINDA is a narrative-driven cinematic docudrama with hues of magical realism and a storyline built with facts around the Donkey endangerment truth.
For millennia, donkeys have moved with us—across deserts and highlands, through war and peace, work and rest. They’ve carried our burdens, toiled our lands, and stood beside us in silence.
Yet, their story has been forgotten.
Rosalinda brings the donkey back into focus—not as a beast of jokes or burden, but as a being of grace, spirit, and cultural significance.
Through poetic cinematography and heartfelt storytelling, we explore their place in the human story: from myth and folklore to the everyday relationships shared between people and these humble, empathetic animals.
We also learn…
Donkeys are disappearing.
Driven by demand for ejiao, a gelatin derived from their hides, 5-6 million donkeys are slaughtered annually. Rural communities—especially in Africa and Asia—are losing critical lifelines. With only 40 millions left on the planet today, if major change doesn’t happen soon, this beloved species could be extinct within 15 years.
KURT BAUMANN, DIRECTOR
“This project is incredibly close to my heart. My wife and I live on our own small "ranchito" in central Mexico, where we’ve created a refuge for animals in need. Among our family are six donkeys and two horses, all rescued from heartbreaking circumstances (apart from little Bethany Cricket, who was born on the ranch). Caring for these animals has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life. They have shown me their incredible spirit, their intelligence, and the deep bonds that can be formed with the people who care for them.
When I learned how endangered donkeys actually are, and how their decline is tied to the brutal trade in donkey skins, I was floored. Why aren’t we talking about this? I couldn’t simply accept that this was just ‘the way things are’ and I knew I had to do something. I have to do what I can to tell this story.
This film is my way of amplifying the voices of those who have none––the donkeys and the people who depend on them. It’s my way of shining a light on a crisis that too few people even know exists. My sincere hope is that this film sparks awareness, compassion and action because we can’t let these amazing animals vanish. We can’t let this story go untold.”
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Creative Visions is the 501c3 fiscal sponsor for the film and is an organization that empowers creative activists to raise awareness of critical issues and drive positive change through impact storytelling.