A new documentary titled “Runa Simi” highlights the efforts of Fernando Valencia, a Peruvian voice artist dedicated to preserving Quechua, an Indigenous language spoken in the Andes. The film chronicles Valencia’s unique approach to keeping Quechua alive through modern media by dubbing popular movie scenes into the language and sharing them on YouTube.

Valencia’s work began with short clips but soon evolved into a larger ambition: producing a full Quechua-language version of Disney’s “The Lion King,” an endeavor he hopes to achieve with the company’s official approval. The documentary follows his outreach efforts, which include sending emails, making phone calls, and contacting Disney through social media accounts. However, these attempts often meet with limited or no response, presenting a challenge to his mission.

Directed by Augusto Zegarra, “Runa Simi” weaves Valencia’s personal pursuit into a broader cultural context. The film showcases the landscapes of the Cusco region, emphasizing the deep connection between the Quechua language and its native environment. Interviews with Valencia and his family touch on the historical oppression experienced by Quechua speakers and their ongoing struggle to preserve their linguistic heritage.

The documentary also captures the evolving significance of cinema in Valencia’s activism. As the COVID-19 pandemic impacts public life, a poignant scene depicts Peruvians of various ages gathering outdoors, many wearing masks, to watch a Quechua-language film together. This moment symbolizes the communal power of storytelling and language in sustaining cultural identity amid challenging times.

Running 1 hour and 21 minutes, “Runa Simi” offers an intimate look at one man’s efforts to revive an Indigenous language through creative expression, while highlighting the resilience of Quechua communities seeking to maintain their heritage in the modern world.