Wildfire digital publishing - Digitale Magazine & Ebooks
Basilio New 005
The Devil's Miner
previous project
next project
DSC00721
05 Bernaldino u Basilio Vargas Brothers

Format: 90min. for theatrical release
Director: Richard Ladkani, Kief Davidson

Camera: Richard Ladkani, Tobias Cordts

Location: Bolivia
Network: BR/arte/TVE/3SAT/ORF/PBS/TVO (2005)
Production Co.: Provobis, Polar Star Films

 

AWARDS (excerpt):

DGA Awards - Winner

Tribeca Film Festival - Winner
German Cinematography Award - Winner 

Hot Docs Toronto - Winner FIPRESCI Award

European Film Academy - Nomination 

The Devil's Miner

"Straight as an arrow filmmaking raises this film above the crowd", Variety Magazine
"A harrowing journey through hell on earth", New York Times


“The Devil's Miner” is the story of 14 year-old Basilio Vargas and his 12 year-old brother Bernardino, as they work in the Bolivian silver mines of Cerro Rico, which date back to the sixteenth century. Through the children's eyes, we encounter the world of devout Catholic miners who sever their ties with God upon entering the mountain. It is an ancient belief that the devil, as represented by hundreds of statues constructed in the tunnels, determines the fate of all who work within the mines.   
 
Raised without a father and living in virtual poverty on the slopes of the mine with their mother, the boys assume many adult responsibilities. They must work to afford the clothing and supplies vital to their education. Basilio believes only the mountain devil’s generosity will allow them to earn enough money to attend the new school year. Without an education, the brothers have no chance to escape their destiny in the silver mines.

Official web site: www.thedevilsminer.com

TOP
next project
previous project