Independent Lens Season 7 Episode 25 The Devil's Miner

The Independent Lens season 7 episode 25 is entitled "The Devil's Miner", a gripping documentary that explores the life of young Bolivian miners who work in the Cerro Rico, a mountain that has been mined for more than 500 years. The episode follows the story of a 14-year-old boy named Basilio Vargas who works as a miner in the mountain's dangerous and inhospitable conditions to support his family.

The documentary is set in Potosí, Bolivia, a city that was once one of the richest in the world during the Spanish colonial era. However, after centuries of massive silver mining, the city's resources are depleted, and thousands of people, including children like Basilio, have no choice but to descend into the mountain's depths to extract whatever valuable minerals are left.

The episode begins with a haunting musical score and breathtaking views of the vast mountain range. The camera then takes the audience deep into the mines, where we see the sheer peril of the tasks that the miners have to perform. The tunnels are narrow, dark, and hot, and the walls are unstable and prone to cave-ins. Basilio explains that he started working in the mines when he was only ten years old, after his father passed away, leaving his family with no source of income.

The Devil's Miner is not only about the harsh reality of the miners' daily lives, but it also has a strong focus on the power of belief. The miners' religion is a mix of Catholicism, Andean mythology, and their own beliefs. They believe that the devil, El Tio, a statue of a horned figure that stands in the mines, is their protector, and they perform rituals to appease him. Basilio is one of the most devout workers, and his faith is put to the test when his brother, who also worked in the mines, died in a cave-in.

The episode is a testament to the power of documentaries as a medium to shine a spotlight on overlooked and marginalized communities. The Devil's Miner not only portrays the dangerous and exploitative conditions in which these children work but also the incredible resilience and optimism of these individuals. Despite the dangers they face, the miners are determined to continue working hard to provide a better life for their families.

The documentary is also a great example of exceptional cinematography and sound design. The film's visuals are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful, capturing the majestic and eerie atmosphere of the mountain and the intensity of the work involved. The musical score is melancholic and dreamlike, creating an emotional impact that is both poignant and powerful.

In conclusion, Independent Lens season 7 episode 25, The Devil's Miner, is a captivating documentary that exposes the harsh reality of child labor in the Bolivian mines. It is a raw and powerful portrayal of the courage and resilience of these workers and their communities. The episode's cinematography and sound design will leave viewers in awe of the beauty and danger of the Cerro Rico mountain and the sacrifices of those who work within it.