Film: Devil's Miner

WINNER OF SEVERAL International Awards

This is a film that, once seen, is almost impossible to forget. With its striking images of mountains and sky contrasted to claustrophobic mine shafts, The Devil's Miner tells us that 800 children work shoulder-to-shoulder with dark-faced men (life expectancy: 35 to 40) in the silver mines of Cerro Rico, Bolivia. The film take us on a journey through hell under the earth, where God does not set foot and where Satan is worshipped as king. Basilio Vargas, the 14-year-old hero is called Papa by his younger siblings because he is the family's breadwinner. He was a fatherless 12-year-old when he started working in the mines. His classmates at school insult him for working in the mines, but he toughs it out because he knows getting an education is the only way to get out of hell. The film leaves a lot to think about, above all a feeling of outrage at the fate of these children. (2005, 82 mins)



Chicago Int. Film Festival Silver Hugo, Best Documentary

Cerro Veronese Italy, Best Documentary

Tribeca Film Festival, Best Documentary Filmmakers Special Mention

FIPRESCI Prize, Intl. Film Critic Award, Hot Docs - Toronto

Humanitarian Award, Mexico City Festival

Woodstock Film Festival, Best Documentary

Jerusalem Film Festival, Spirit of Freedom Award, Best Documentary

German Camera Award, Special Mention

IDA Award Nomination, Pare Lorentz Award 2005


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