Broken is an animal welfare documentary following British actor and animal activist Peter Egan as he travels to the Al Gisa desert in Egypt with the charity Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land.

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The film investigates the widespread use of donkeys in Egypt’s brick kiln industry, where thousands of animals are forced to haul heavy carts of bricks for up to twelve hours a day in extreme desert heat. Many of these donkeys suffer from exhaustion, untreated injuries, dehydration and repeated beatings from kiln workers.

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Donkeys are particularly vulnerable to this type of exploitation. Their patient temperament and physical endurance make them easy targets for use as cheap labour, especially in industries where animal welfare protections are limited or poorly understood.

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During the journey, the documentary reveals the harsh realities faced not only by the donkeys but also by the people working in the kilns. Some labourers are children as young as ten years old, growing up in environments where education about animal welfare, empathy and animal sentience is largely absent.

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Despite these difficult conditions, the film also highlights the extraordinary work of Safe Haven 4 Donkeys and their partners, including the Atan Mobile Veterinary Team and the El Gesr Foundation. Together they provide emergency veterinary care, rescue severely injured animals and rehabilitate donkeys that would otherwise die from neglect and overwork.

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Through these rescue efforts, viewers witness remarkable transformations as animals on the brink of death are treated, stabilised and given the chance to recover.

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Broken offers a rare insight into a largely unseen world and shines a light on the people working tirelessly to improve the lives of donkeys trapped in the brutal realities of Egypt’s brick kiln industry.

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Issue featured in this documentary:
Brick kiln donkey labour in Egypt

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Location:
Al Gisa Desert, Egypt

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Organisations featured:
Safe Haven 4 Donkeys, Atan Mobile Veterinary Team, El Gesr Foundation

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Series
The Brick Kiln Donkeys of Egypt Trilogy

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Produced by:

Orange Planet Pictures