Watch Bonsai People: The Vision of Muhammad Yunus

Bonsai People: The Vision of Muhammad Yunus is a documentary film that explores the life and work of Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economist, banker, and social entrepreneur who founded the Grameen Bank and pioneered the concept of microfinance. Directed by Holly Mosher, the film features interviews with Yunus and his colleagues, as well as footage of the projects and communities he has helped to develop throughout his career.

The film begins by tracing Yunus's early life and education, highlighting his experience growing up in a poor family in rural Bangladesh, and his academic pursuits in the United States. After returning to Bangladesh to teach economics, Yunus was struck by the widespread poverty and lack of access to credit in the communities around him. This inspired him to develop the idea of microcredit, which involves providing small loans to poor individuals who would not otherwise be able to access formal banking services.

Yunus founded the Grameen Bank in 1976 as a pilot project, with the goal of providing small loans to poor women in Bangladesh. The bank quickly grew in popularity and impact, and has since expanded to serve over 9 million borrowers in 97% of the villages in Bangladesh. The film highlights several of the bank's success stories, featuring interviews with women who have used microcredit to start businesses, improve their homes, and send their children to school.

The film also explores the concept of social entrepreneurship, which Yunus defines as "making something out of nothing." He has applied this philosophy to a variety of projects beyond microfinance, including the development of energy-efficient housing and the creation of a global network of social businesses. The film features examples of such projects, including the "Grameen Phone Ladies" program, which trains women to become mobile phone operators in rural areas.

Bonsai People also touches on some of the criticisms and challenges that Yunus has faced throughout his career. In 2010, he was removed from his position as head of the Grameen Bank by the Bangladesh government, which accused him of irregularities in the bank's operations. Yunus and his supporters argue that he was targeted for political reasons, and the film presents a balanced perspective on the controversy.

At its core, Bonsai People is a portrait of a man who has dedicated his life to empowering the poor and marginalized, and whose impact has been felt far beyond Bangladesh. The film presents Yunus as an inspiring figure whose vision and persistence have transformed the lives of millions of people, while also acknowledging the complex realities of poverty and development.

Visually, the film is a mix of interviews, archival footage, and scenes of daily life in Bangladesh. The cinematography is often lush and colorful, showcasing the natural beauty of the country and the vibrancy of its people. The soundtrack features traditional Bangladeshi music alongside a contemporary score, creating a sense of both timelessness and modernity.

Overall, Bonsai People: The Vision of Muhammad Yunus is a well-crafted and informative documentary that sheds light on an important and inspiring figure in the world of social entrepreneurship. It provides a thorough introduction to Yunus's work and philosophy, and leaves viewers with a sense of hope and possibility for a more just and equitable world.

Bonsai People: The Vision of Muhammad Yunus is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9 and a MetaScore of 39.