Watch Eldorado XXI

Eldorado XXI is a 2016 documentary film directed by Salomé Lamas. The film takes audiences deep into the heart of Peru's Andes mountains, where the country's highest gold mine is located. The film is a vivid and immersive look at the lives of the miners who work in the mine, as well as the people who live in the surrounding communities.

The film presents a gritty, unfiltered look at the harsh realities of life in the mine. Miners work and live in extremely dangerous conditions, and the film shows the human cost of mining gold in remote locations. The film is shot over the course of four seasons, and it captures the changing beauty of the Andes as well as the hardships that miners and their families must face.

The film is divided into four chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of life in the Andes. The first chapter focuses on the daily lives of the miners and their families. Through interviews and footage of their work, we see how difficult it is to make a living in the mine. The second chapter shows the landscape around the mine and the unique flora and fauna that can be found in the Andes. This section is particularly stunning, and the film showcases some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world.

The third chapter of the film delves into the social and economic structures that sustain life in this remote corner of the world. We see how the mine is a central part of the local economy, and how the people who work there are both connected to and isolated from the rest of society. The film also explores the role of the state in regulating the mine, and the challenges of enforcing safety regulations in a remote location.

The final chapter of the film showcases the resilience and determination of the people who live in the Andes. Despite the challenges of life in the mine, the film shows how the people who live there are able to maintain close connections to each other and their communities. We see the ingenuity and resourcefulness that is necessary to survive in such a harsh environment, and how the people who live there are able to make the best of what they have.

Overall, Eldorado XXI is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary. It presents a complex and nuanced look at life in one of the world's highest gold mines, and challenges audiences to consider the ethical and environmental implications of mining in remote locations. Through its stunning visuals and intimate portraits of the people who live in the Andes, the film is a vivid and immersive experience that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.