Watch Children of Don Quixote

Children of Don Quixote is a documentary directed by Chus Gutiérrez released in 2006. The movie follows the lives of homeless immigrants who come to Madrid from North Africa, particularly Morocco, and squat in makeshift camps on the capital's outskirts. These immigrants find themselves in an unimaginable situation, where they have no homes, no jobs, no food, and no legal status in the country.

The movie's central focus is on a group of immigrants who set up camp beneath the Don Quixote bridge in Madrid, which was later named 'The Children of Don Quixote'. The documentary features interviews with the homeless population who recount their struggles and hardships, and how they got to where they are today.

The film also highlights the efforts of activists who set out to provide aid to the homeless population, raise awareness of their plight, and fight for their rights. Among the activists is the outspoken French journalist and activist Jean-Baptiste Eyraud, who founded the group 'The Children of Don Quixote' and became the voice of the homeless people in Madrid.

Through interviews with officials from the Madrid city government, the documentary exposes the inadequacies of the Spanish institutional system in providing adequate housing and social safety nets for the homeless population.

The film goes beyond just documenting the underprivileged populations' lives and exposes the root cause of the problem, which stems from economic instability and political upheaval in their home country. The director also highlights the cultural clash between the immigrants and the Spanish authorities, and how difficult it is for the immigrants to integrate into Spanish society due to linguistics and cultural barriers.

Throughout the movie, one can observe how the homeless people's situation gradually worsens over time, and despite the activists' efforts, there seems to be no end to their suffering. The documentary also serves as a wake-up call to the Spanish society, highlighting the need for more effective social policies that can accommodate the needs of the underprivileged and marginalized populations.

Overall, Children of Don Quixote is an excellent documentary that sheds light on a pressing social issue affecting many of today's cities worldwide. Through the tales of the homeless immigrants, the film exposes the harsh reality of societal inequality and the shortcomings of the institutional systems in place to support the less fortunate. The movie leaves a lasting impression on the viewer and serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of raising awareness of social issues.