The Devil's Miner
The Devil's Miner

Movie spotlight

The Devil's Miner

2005
Movie
82 min
English

'The Devil's Miner' tells the story of 14-year-old Basilio who worships the devil for protection while working in a Bolivian silver mine to support his family.

Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Director: Kief DavidsonGenres: Documentary, Short

Plot Summary

The Devil's Miner is a short documentary that offers a stark glimpse into the lives of child miners in Potosi, Bolivia, one of the world's richest silver mines. It follows 14-year-old Basilio as he navigates the dangerous and grueling conditions of the mine, driven by the need to support his family. The film highlights the harsh realities of child labor and the pervasive belief in the 'devil' of the mine, to whom workers make offerings for protection.

Critical Reception

The Devil's Miner received significant critical acclaim, particularly for its unflinching portrayal of child labor and the difficult lives of the miners. It was lauded for its powerful storytelling and its ability to bring global attention to a pressing social issue.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw and powerful depiction of child labor.

  • Commended for shedding light on the dangerous working conditions in Bolivian mines.

  • Noted for its empathetic and humanizing portrayal of its young subjects.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's emotional impact and its success in raising awareness about child labor issues. Many viewers found it to be a moving and important documentary.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Short Film at the Sundance Film Festival, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.

Fun Fact

The film crew faced significant challenges and dangers while filming inside the actual mines, and had to gain the trust of the miners and their families to capture such intimate footage.

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