Marmato

Watch Marmato

  • NR
  • 2014
  • 1 hr 29 min
  • 7.3  (158)

Marmato is a documentary film directed by Mark Grieco that tells the story of a small town in Colombia whose inhabitants rely on traditional methods of mining for their livelihoods. The film explores the tensions that arise when a Canadian mining company, Gran Colombia Gold, arrives in Marmato, seeking to extract the massive amount of gold that lies beneath the town.

The documentary is structured around interviews with various residents of Marmato, who provide insight into the history of the town, their way of life, and their struggles to protect their community and their livelihoods in the face of the impending arrival of the mining company. The film also features interviews with representatives of Gran Colombia Gold, who defend their company's actions and claim that their mining operation will bring economic prosperity to the region.

One of the film’s main themes is the cultural clash between the traditional way of life of the Marmato community and the industrialized, profit-driven approach of the mining company. Many residents of Marmato view their work in the gold mines as a sacred tradition that has been passed down through generations. They are deeply connected to the land and see their work as a way to honor their ancestors and preserve their cultural heritage. The arrival of the mining company threatens to disrupt this way of life and the town itself, as the company plans to relocate the entire population and destroy much of the town in order to extract the gold.

The film also examines the environmental impacts of mining, as well as the human costs of such operations. The residents of Marmato are deeply concerned about the potential destruction of their environment, which they see as not only a source of livelihood, but also a source of spiritual and cultural significance. Some also worry about the health risks associated with the use of chemicals and machinery involved in industrial mining. Additionally, many residents of Marmato express concern about the potential displacement of their community, as well as the loss of their homes and the destruction of their cultural heritage.

Marmato is an important film because it provides a nuanced and empathetic look at the complex issues surrounding natural resource extraction, economic development, and cultural preservation. Through its focus on the perspectives of residents of the town, the film brings to light the human struggles and concerns that often go unheard in discussions about large-scale mining and industrial development. The film also provides an example of how traditional and indigenous communities can work together to protect their livelihoods and traditional ways of life in the face of extractive industries.

Another key aspect of the film is its portrayal of the power dynamics involved in such mining operations. The documentary shows how the mining company uses its economic and political power to attempt to control the narrative surrounding its activities and to silence dissenting voices. Residents who speak out against the company face threats and intimidation. It becomes clear that the conflict between the mining company and the residents of Marmato is not simply a technical or legal issue, but a deeply rooted power struggle over resources, history, and culture.

Overall, Marmato is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful film that sheds light on the complex and often overlooked human issues associated with natural resource extraction. It challenges viewers to think critically about the impact of industrial development on traditional communities and to consider alternative approaches that prioritize cultural preservation, sustainability, and social justice.

Marmato is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.

Marmato
Description
Where to Watch Marmato
Marmato is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV. Some platforms allow you to rent Marmato for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2014
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (158)