Aire libre

The film is based on real events from the lives of two scientists Alexander von Humboldt and aimé bonplan of. About the time they spent together, exploring South America in 1799-1804. The Age Of Enlightenment. Aimé and Alexander freethinking scientists, ready to explore the earth and to rejoice in the acquisition of new knowledge. They believe in the Declaration of human rights and taking the point of view of Thomas Paine "science as the true theology." Arriving in America, they study the land and record their discoveries in botany, Zoology, Geology, geography and cosmology for a European audience. Freed from the constraints of "civilization", they discover the abundance of natural phenomena, but also opens before them the essence of this society, the ongoing process of colonization, they see the cruelty and suffering in the colony. Alexander and aimé even more disappointed after see the methods of "educating" Indians on lands seized by the King of Spain. The Catholic Church operating in the country, trying to "civilize" Indians by spreading Christianity. The Spanish army is there to protect the border and to look for mineral deposits to increase the Spanish Treasury. Being so true to the spirit of its revolutionary era, scientists do not have all the sympathy.