Synopsis
In the south of Bolivia, director Rodrigo Vázquez films two inseparable friends: 13-year-old Jorge and 19-year-old Alex. Both have taken after their fathers and work in the tin mine for around two dollars a day. Jorge's father suffers from silicosis, the so-called miners' disease, while Alex's dad is already dead. The minimum age to become a miner is officially 18, but the union inspections are apparently easy to get around. A union worker explains to the filmmakers that the children run even higher risks because of their weaker systems. In claustrophobic scenes shot underground, Jorge and Alex describe their fear that the poorly maintained tunnels will cave in on them. Vázquez follows the boys as they make their way to the mine, equipped with helmets and pickaxes. Their panoramic view over the mountains contrasts sharply with the apparent hopelessness of their existence. In the meantime, the question turns to tin. The employee of an NGO points to the weapon industry and the wars in the Middle East. Jorge and Alex would prefer to go to school, study and become lawyers. The 2006 election of President Evo Morales, who also started out as a poor Indian, offers them hope.
» show producers synopsis
» hide producers synopsis