One year later, actor and animal activist Peter Egan returns to the brick kilns of Egypt with Safe Haven for Donkeys
‘Bricks’ is the powerful sequel to ‘Broken – the Brick Kiln Donkeys of Egypt’, the impactful film that won the group category of the 2024 Better World Video Awards.
Produced by Orange Planet Pictures in collaboration with Safe Haven for Donkeys, ‘Bricks’ continues the story a year on. Actor and Safe Haven for Donkeys patron Peter Egan returns to the El Saf region of Egypt alongside filmmaker Andrew Telling, Safe Haven CEO Andy Foxcroft, and veterinarian Anna Harrison, to witness the impact of their earlier work to help protect working brick kiln donkeys from such harsh conditions.
The film documents both progress and ongoing suffering. While some brick kilns have improved conditions for working donkeys, many animals still endure extreme hardship – hauling loads equivalent to small cars in intense heat, often without sufficient food, water or rest.
“These donkeys suffer unimaginable pain due to harness and saddle wounds, beatings, teeth and hoof issues and parasitic diseases spread by flies,” says CEO Andy Foxcroft. “It’s hot and tiring work for the animals who work from 4am till midday with just a half-hour break.”
It also highlights a new project introducing machinery to one brick kiln in El Saf to replace donkey labour, offering hope for a more humane future. Through striking visuals and honest storytelling, the film calls for continued action to end the exploitation of donkeys in Egypt’s brick kilns.
You can see the 2024 winning entry here and find out more about entering this year’s awards here.
