Lectures

THE FIRST FILM IN

SOCIOLOGY/ANTHROPOLOGY FILM SERIES

CHILDREN OF THE SILVER MOUNTAIN

A film by Juan S. Betancor

The film gives a brief history of COMIBOL, the multi-mineral corporation controlled by organized labor which failed to keep pace with modern technology. In 1985, when the tin market collapsed and Bolivia faced hyperinflation, COMIBOL shut down most of its activities. In its place miners formed small cooperatives and continued to earn a meager livelihood. The film shows the difficulties of the miners lives--long hours that can only sustained by the chewing of coca leaves. Much of the labor is done by hand-- even women crush rocks with hammers in search of silver. Silicosis is rampant for the miners breathe air laden with silicon particles. Despite these hardships, the miners feel a pride in their profession and in the tradition they are maintaining. Like their ancestors they put their faith in an ancient demon god known as "El Tio" and curry his favor with offerings. The extraordinary cinematography brings the viewer close to the people and the breathtaking landscape that is their home.