Watch Burning in the Sun

Burning in the Sun is a documentary film directed by Cambria Matlow and Morgan Robinson. The movie takes place in a small, rural village called Bantaco in Mali, West Africa. The film follows the journey of Daniel Dembele, a young man who returned to his home country after studying engineering in America, who takes on the ambitious plan of bring solar power to his hometown, which currently depends on scarce and polluting diesel generators.

The story begins with Daniel arriving in Bantaco, which is a poor village of mud brick huts and tin roofs. The lifestyle of the villagers is severely restricted by the lack of electricity that affects almost all aspects of their lives; from the difficulties of working under poor conditions to the limited use of electric devices and communication systems.

Daniel's first attempt to built the solar energy system in Bantaco is full of setbacks and failure. It is particularly difficult for him as he faces resistance from the leadership of the village and the local mayor, who are skeptical about his project.

However, through determination, perseverance, and a mindset to not give up, Daniel finally succeeds in building a solar-powered energy system in the village. Despite having little money and no training, he manages to install 15 panels that change the life of the village.

With electricity, Bantaco experiences a transformation. In the film, we see how people start using electricity to enhance their daily lives. They are able to work after dark, store food in refrigerators, and listen to music on radios.

Additionally, Daniel's success offers a ray of hope to the other Africans who are seeking ways to improve their communities. Words quickly spread, he receives accolades from around the world, and he gets invited to showcase his project at conferences around the world.

Throughout the film, we see the beauty of Mali, the struggles and triumphs of its people, the limitations of the infrastructure, and the resilience to conquer the challenges in the pursuit of a better life. The documentary captures the harsh realities of living in a remote village where systems and services are almost non-existent.

The documentary shows the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving collective goals. Daniel faces numerous challenges during the implementation of his project, but through his foresight and persistence, he eventually prevails. Without the support and guidance of local Bantaco residents, he would not have succeeded.

The film emphasizes the need for sustainable development in Africa, where power remains a critical issue. The lack of energy availability is a major challenge to economic and social development in the region, and we see in the film that solar energy presents a viable solution to the problem.

Burning in the Sun can be a great educational tool for learning about the power of perseverance and innovation, and the impact of modern technology in the developing world. The film portrays how impactful a single individual can be on the lives of many.

Overall, this documentary provides an honest and insightful view of Mali, its challenges, and the potential it holds with the right support and guidance. The vision of Daniel Dembele in trying to make a difference in his community is inspiring and thought-provoking - it reflects the power of human potential and the change it can bring to the world.