The Devil's Miner is part of The Human Rights Watch Collection.

The Devil's Miner is an astonishing portrait of two brothers, 14-year-old Basilio and 12-year-old Bernardino, who work deep inside the silver mines of Cerro Rico, Bolivia. Raised without a father and living on the slopes of the mine, Basilio and his brother must work the mines when they are not in school to help support their family and afford supplies vital to their education.

In the mines, which date back to the 16th century, it is an ancient belief that the Devil determines the fate of those who enter. Basilio and his brother place their faith in the mountain devil's generosity, hoping to earn enough money so they can continue going to school - their only chance of escaping their destiny in the silver mines.

WINNER! Tribeca Film Festival: Emerging Filmmaker Special Mention
WINNER! Jerusalem Film Festival: Best International Documentary
WINNER! Woodstock Film Festival: Best Documentary
WINNER! Mexico Film Festival: Humanitarian Award
WINNER! Chicago Film Festival: Silver Hugo Award, Best Documentary
WINNER! Hot Docs, Toronto: Fipresci Award
NOMINATED: Outstanding Directorial Achievement Director's Guild of America

What the Critics are Saying

"Breathtaking! This beautiful story is not easily forgotten. Grade: A" - Entertainment Weekly

"An unforgettable journey through hell under earth, where Satan is worshipped as king. Exceptionally beautiful images make it a memorable visual experience." - Variety

"The world so beautifully photographed in The Devil's Miner - with its festivals, folkloric dances and folk art devils - seems conjured from the magic realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez." - Los Angeles Times

The Devil's Miner Official Web Site

Click here to learn about Human Rights Watch work to protect children’s rights.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE's community-based efforts improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives. To get involved, visit www.care.org. In Bolivia, CARE is working to reduce child labor in the silver mining region by improving access to education and preparing children for jobs outside the mines. To donate and learn more, go to www.care.org/devilsminer

The International Labor Organization supports The Devil's Miner.Click here to read ILO's study guide on child labor.

Kevin’s Kids is a non-profit organization founded to provide assistance to the women and children of Latin America.

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights.

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) serves as a voice for change in the Latino community and recognizes the importance of mobilizing workers and their families.

See an interview with the directors of The Devil’s Miner from the Tribeca Film Festival.

See details about this film's theatrical run.