Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel

Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel is a highly acclaimed author from Equatorial Guinea, renowned for his literary works that have been translated and recognized internationally. Despite his professional background as a nurse, he chose to dedicate himself to writing and became one of the well-known Equatorial Guinean writers who decided not to live in exile. His repertoire includes notable works such as the novel Avión de Ricos, Ladrón De Cerdos (The Pig Thief And The Rich Man’s Aeroplane), and the collection of short stories titled Cuentos Crudos (Raw Tales). 

In 2011, Ávila Laurel took a stand against President Obiang’s dictatorial government and the suppression of civil liberties in Equatorial Guinea. He embarked on a week-long hunger strike before he was forced to flee the country. Finding refuge in Spain, he continued to pursue his writing career. The documentary El escritor de un país sin librerías (The Writer of a Country Without Bookstores) offers a compelling portrayal of Ávila Laurel’s life, shedding light on his literary contributions and his courageous defiance against the oppressive regime in Equatorial Guinea.