Where Heaven Meets Hell 2012
Transit Media Communications, 190 Route 17M, Suite D, Harriman, NY 10926
Produced by Sasha Friedlander, Bao Nguyen, David Osit
Directed by Sasha Friedlander
DVD , color, 80 min. (feature-length version) and 54 min. (PBS TV Version).
Jr. High - General Adult
Southeast Asia, Human Rights, Labor, Ecology, Culture
Date Entered: 01/02/2014
ALA Notable: yes
Reviewed by Monique Threatt, Indiana University, Herman B Wells Library, Bloomington, IN
Wow! One can think of a plethora of adjectives to describe this heartbreaking, yet visually stunning film. Sasha Friedlander’s feature-length documentary (two versions are available to accommodate public and classroom discussion), exposes the hazardous working conditions of miners who remove sulfur from the active volcano, Kawah ljen in East Java, Indonesia. Chemically, when mixed with other elements, sulfur can result in creating both positive and negative products. According to Ask.com, “Sulfur is an essential element for all life, and is widely used in biochemical processes.” When compounded with other elements, sulfur is used to make black gun powder, cosmetics, insecticides and fungicides, matches, sugar, and vitamins to name a few.
However, this documentary is not about the wonderful world of sulfur. Instead it focuses on the grueling work involved to mine the sulfur, the miner’s dedication to support and better the lives of their children, and their deep belief in the Islamic faith. As noted in a similar review, “miners begin to collect and haul loads of up to 200 lbs. of pure sulfur. They trek up a treacherous four-kilometer path out of the crater, engulfed in billowing clouds of sulfur dioxide gases. They then climb down to the village at the base of the volcano and unload, only to repeat the round trip journey several times before the day ends.”
Because the terrain is so dangerous, miners transport the bricks in well-constructed baskets carefully balanced across the shoulders which leaves permanent scars and damage. Unfortunately, this back-breaking work pays so little. For hauling approximately 200 lbs of pure sulfur, the miner receives the equivalent of $10 U.S. dollars. It’s scary to think that the pay for a miner is higher than the pay for a farmer.
In addition to being paid low wages, miners struggle to send their children to school which is a requirement for all Muslims. Although Indonesia comprises several ethnic and religious groups, there is mounting tension between the Javanese who practice Hindu, and the Balinese miners who practice Islam. It is difficult for Balinese miners to get good paying jobs because employers require proof of an educational diploma. Also, unlike the United States, the miners do not receive government assistance for low-income families. It is a vicious cycle for the miners to live in a constant tide of poverty. Still, dire circumstances do not prevent some of the miners from wanting to start to their own business, nor from teaching themselves different languages so that they may become tourist interpreters.
This is a very interesting documentary because the film offers a glimpse of a people who are not connected to the outside world, and whose work and living standards are very primitive. It is very easy to take for granted the amenities afforded to those living in a Western and free society. Yet, for these miners, they manage to persevere and do what it takes to make a better life for them and their family. The cinematography is beyond outstanding, and the music score is both dark and ominous to translate human suffering. I highly recommend this film for public, school and academic libraries.
Awards
- Winner, Social Mention Award, Vaclav Havel Jury
- Winner, AEFJ EDA Award
- Winner, Outstanding Cinematography Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
- Winner, Best Feature Documentary Film. Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
- Winner, Best Feature Documentary Film, HIFF