Augusto Zegarra's debut documentary, "Runa Simi," chronicles the extraordinary efforts of Fernando Valencia, a voice artist from Cusco, Peru, who single-handedly undertook the ambitious task of re-recording Disney's animated classic, "The Lion King," into Quechua. Despite repeated attempts to secure official authorization from Disney, Valencia, undeterred, proceeded with the project. His dedication transformed a personal aspiration into a broader movement for linguistic and cultural recognition. Valencia's "Quechua Clips," a series of re-dubbed iconic animated scenes, had already garnered widespread attention, demonstrating a significant demand for content in the Indigenous language spoken by approximately 10 million people.

The documentary details Valencia's resourceful approach, utilizing a basic home studio and karaoke software to meticulously strip out original audio and replace it with Quechua dialogue and songs. This remarkable undertaking, which also involved his young son, Dylan, for higher-pitched voices, faced numerous challenges, including the two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Zegarra's film not only captures the technical and creative hurdles but also highlights Valencia's persistent attempts to engage with Disney, which ultimately proved fruitless. The narrative showcases how a deeply personal endeavor evolved into a powerful statement about language preservation and Indigenous rights.

"Runa Simi," meaning "Language of the People" in Quechua, has achieved significant critical acclaim, earning 19 awards, including the prestigious Albert Maysles Award at Tribeca and the Palm Springs Festival Ibero-American Film honor. This recognition underscores the film's universal appeal and its impactful message. The documentary's success has initiated vital conversations about Indigenous rights, extending beyond linguistic representation to fundamental issues such as access to essential services and culturally relevant bilingual education. The journey of Fernando Valencia, supported by Zegarra and a dedicated team of producers, exemplifies the power of individual initiative in driving cultural empowerment and advocating for social justice.

This inspiring story serves as a testament to the profound impact of cultural preservation and linguistic diversity. It demonstrates that passion and persistence can overcome significant obstacles, paving the way for broader understanding and appreciation of marginalized cultures. By bringing "The Lion King" to a new linguistic audience, Valencia's work, immortalized in "Runa Simi," advocates for the inherent value of every language and the fundamental rights of Indigenous communities to self-expression and cultural equity.