Saving one of the World’s most beloved animals from extinction.
ROSALINDA is cinematic docudrama blending magical realism to highlight the truth about donkey endangerment.
Driven by the global demand for ejiao, a Chinese beauty product made from their skins, donkeys are being decimated across the globe.
“China’s donkey population has fallen more than 80% to just under 2 million from 11 million in 1992, prompting its ejiao industry to source donkey skins from overseas.“
-Reuters
Nearly 6 million donkeys are killed every year. With around 50 million left on the planet today, if major change isn’t initiated soon, the entire species could be extinct in 10-15 years.
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.
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 sentience, their intelligence, and the deep bonds they form with fellow animals and humans.
When I learned how endangered donkeys actually are, and how their decline is directly tied to the brutal trafficking trade of donkey skins, I was floored––why aren’t we talking about this? I couldn’t accept that this is just ‘the way things are’, I needed to do something to help. I have to tell this story.
This film is my way of amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard. It’s my way of shining a light on a crisis that too few people even know about. 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 an organization that empowers creative activists to raise awareness of critical issues and drive positive change through impact storytelling.