The Devil's Miner begins airing on many PBS stations as part of Independent Lens on Tuesday, May 23rd (check local listings). There is an Independent Lens site and a site created by the filmmakers.

The documentary is about Basilio Vargas who has been working in a silver mine in Bolivia for four years. He is only 14 and already knows what silicosis is. He is protective of his brother who works with him and is 12 years old. It will be hard to find a more compelling story or a more articulate narrator in any recent film. This is an important documentary that needs to be seen by a wide audience.

The filmmakers are doing extensive outreach to let people know what they can do on issues ranging from child labor to poverty in the region. Micki Krimmel wrote about a community screening of the film (she is the director of internet outreach at Participant Productions which has their own documentary coming out).

A DVD is also available. It "includes a follow-up documentary - filmed one year later with Basilio and his family, study guides for students, behind the scenes information, and information on how to help the children."

There is also an update on the Independent Lens site (though wait until you've seen the film to read it).