The film crew met with a team from Ayuda en Acción, and it appears that its organizational heart is in the right place. Yet, despite the presence of over five hundred NGOs working to improve the lot of Nicaragua’s poor, their plight worsens every year. Many local activists and intellectuals do not trust the non-profits, and accuse them of having their own enrichment as concern numero uno.

That literacy will directly contribute to the health and well being of a people few can doubt. But are a literate people more likely to care for the environment? One man thinks so, and has started a grassroots neighbors teaching neighbors project for the good of both la gente y la tierra.

Does graphic and violence-ridden television news that presents the worst aspects of a society also bring out the worst in its audience? Our filmmaker seems to think so, and believes that it is young viewers who pay the price when spectacle trumps thoughtful analysis and measured presentation.

Does broadcast media really have a responsiblity to promote and defend human rights? Or is it to simply make shows that people like and that attract ratings? Several Nicaraguan journalists and media producers discuss these ideas in a round table discussion.

Spain has never been a country afraid of divisive politics, and filmmaker Joan Planas has no fear of getting controversial when presenting his views of society, church and state. Note that the older gentleman is not speaking straight Spanish but Catalan, and the Spanish captions reflect not his exact words but are the same as the Spanish subtitles seen in white on the screen.

Not only does our filmmaker continue with his diatribe against the state of society as he finds it in Nicaragua, but the story takes an investigative turn. We find that not only doesn’t sponsored-child Christina del Carmen match the photo that had been supplied by Ayuda en Acción, she is also not yet enrolled in a school.

Joan Planas continues to pull no punches, taking on NGOs, television, and the Catholic church. Oddly enough, despite his firebrand rhetoric, the film ends on a rather conservative note, suggesting that perhaps what poor nations need is not so much charity but rather a change in actitude, or “attitude,” so as to reflect the mindset of people in successful nations. Tune in to find out the details.

On a lovely September day, Marta shares with us some interesting facts about the famous Plaza del Sol in Madrid, Spain, which is vibrant day and night and attracts millions of international tourists annually.

From Madrid's Plaza del Sol, Marta shares the story behind the tradition of eating twelve grapes on New Year's Eve as well as giving us a closer look at the famous Kilometer Zero plaque.

On a lovely Sunday morning in Madrid, Marta introduces us to one of Spain's most iconic breakfasts: churros and porras with hot chocolate, which make for a quintessential and indulgent morning ritual that is beloved by locals and tourists alike.

In Madrid, you can find churros and porras at any cafe, and it's also common to grab some from a mobile kiosk or food truck. In this video, Marta tells us a bit more about this delightful treat.

Marta invites us to get to know the capital of Spain, the wonderful city of Madrid. In addition to telling us many of the things she likes most about this city, she will also reveal to us a curious fact about its inhabitants. Let's join her!

This time, Marta takes us to eat tapas, a very common Spanish activity that is enjoyed by many. Let's discover the tapas that Marta has ordered, some of Spain's most typical... and scrumptious!

Marta introduces us to two more classic tapas from Madrid's delectable cuisine. Can you guess which ones they are? Let's find out!

Marta takes us to one of Madrid's most emblematic buildings: the Royal Palace. Although no one lives there today as they did in the past, its impressive exterior and interior are open to the public.