Directors - Kief Davidson & Richard Ladkani
Run Time - 82 minutes
Language - In Spanish w/ English subtitles
Format - Video, Color
Year - 2005
Genre - Documentary
Two brothers, 14-year-old Basilio and 12-year-old
Bernardino, work deep inside the silver mines of
Cerro Rico, Bolivia. In the mines, which date back
to the sixteenth century, it is said the devil determines
the fate of those who enter. The devil is (ITAL)
everywhere, watching - carved statues called "Tios"
are scattered throughout the tunnels, and the miners,
including the young brothers, bring offerings to
them daily.
Raised without a father and living in virtual poverty
with their family on the slopes of the mine, Basilio
and his brother must work to help support their
family and afford supplies vital to their education.
As we come to know them, we see their fears and
hopes for their future, and occasionally glimpse
childlike souls peeking through their stoic faces.
Trusting in an ancient belief that the devil determines
the fate of all those who work in the mines, Basilio
believes only the mountain devil's generosity will
allow them to earn enough money to continue the
new school year - their only chance of escaping
their destiny in the silver mines.
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