This short addresses the violence and danger that are part of everyday life for women and girls who live near the Potosi mine in Bolivia. Women share how they try to protect themselves from domestic violence, sexual violence, and the violence of working in the mines. The film provides insight into the brutal working conditions as well as the harsh physical and social climate that females face in this community. In some ways, this film is reminiscent of The Devil's Miner, except that the format is different and the emphasis is on women. The subjects are represented in a respectful manner, and they are allowed to speak for themselves. The setting is not romanticized, nor is it graphic even though some of the issues discussed are quite disturbing. The film is a bit disjointed, much like the lives of the people portrayed. There are no overt social or political messages in the film, although viewers might be encouraged to learn more about what created such social and economic conditions.
2 Reviews
Dust hell
evening116 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This movie introduces us to Cerro Rico, an Andean mountain silver-mined for centuries and known as the Eater of Men. And we learn here of its particular hazards toward women.
Although close to the sprawling Bolivian city of Potosi, where presumably there are safer environs, these hardy souls apparently choose to live near the mine, and, as if that weren't hard enough, they say they must often fend off the likes of kidnap and rape.
"I'm afraid of walking -- afraid of miners," says one.
The women tell us they protect themselves by tossing dynamite and carrying rocks. It seems such a lawless domain, with nary a telephone or a cop within eyesight.
From what I read on Wikipedia, the Spanish Empire began exploiting Cerro Rico in 1545, and for the ensuing three centuries, 80 percent of the world's silver came from the peak. Extremely hazardous conditions have killed many, and life expectancy for a miner is said to be only 40.
I might not have discovered this unusual short, if not for its airing as part of a world-cultures program by the 115th Street Library in New York City. I'll look forward to future offerings.
Although close to the sprawling Bolivian city of Potosi, where presumably there are safer environs, these hardy souls apparently choose to live near the mine, and, as if that weren't hard enough, they say they must often fend off the likes of kidnap and rape.
"I'm afraid of walking -- afraid of miners," says one.
The women tell us they protect themselves by tossing dynamite and carrying rocks. It seems such a lawless domain, with nary a telephone or a cop within eyesight.
From what I read on Wikipedia, the Spanish Empire began exploiting Cerro Rico in 1545, and for the ensuing three centuries, 80 percent of the world's silver came from the peak. Extremely hazardous conditions have killed many, and life expectancy for a miner is said to be only 40.
I might not have discovered this unusual short, if not for its airing as part of a world-cultures program by the 115th Street Library in New York City. I'll look forward to future offerings.
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