Asheville Film Festival
- The Devil’s Miner
- Director: Kief Davidson & Richard Ladkani
Documentary. 2005. USA/Germany. 82 min. Spanish, Subtitled.
North Carolina Premiere
Tribeca Film Festival Best Documentary
The Devil’s Miner follows 14 year-old Basilio Vargas and his 12 year-old brother Bernardino as they work in the Bolivian silver mines of Cerro Rico, which date back to the sixteenth century. Through the children's eyes, we encounter the world of devout Catholic miners who sever their ties with God upon entering the mountain; it is an ancient belief that the devil, as represented by hundreds of statues constructed in the tunnels, determines the fate of all who work within the mines. Raised without a father and living in virtual poverty with their mother on the slopes of the mine, the boys assume many adult responsibilities. They must work to afford the clothing and supplies vital to their education. Basilio believes that only the mountain devil’s generosity will allow them to earn enough money to start the new school year. Without an education, the brothers have no chance to escape their fate in the silver mines.
- Showings
Friday, January 20 at 11:30am – UNC Asheville Reuter Center
Saturday, January 21 at 1pm – UNC Asheville: Humanities Lecture Hall