Global Treasures Humberstone & Santa Laura Chile is a visually stunning documentary that explores the deserted mining towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. This movie is a part of the Global Treasures series and is directed by Julie Conover and Marko Kulju. The documentary takes viewers on a journey to Humberstone and Santa Laura, two towns that were once thriving mining centers but are now classified as ghost towns. The film explores the history of these towns, their rise and fall, and the impact of their decline on the local population.
The movie begins with an overview of the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth, and the harsh conditions that inhabitants of the region must endure. The documentary then delves into the history of Humberstone, a mining town that was founded in 1862.
Viewers are taken on a tour of the town which consists of rows of adobe structures that were once used as living quarters for the workers. The documentary highlights the unique architecture of the town and the efforts that are being made to preserve it.
The documentary also explores the mining process that took place in Humberstone and the dangerous conditions that miners faced. Through interviews with former workers and historical footage, the film illustrates the hard labor that was required to extract nitrate from the ground.
The town of Santa Laura is also showcased in this film. This town was founded in 1915 and was once the largest producer of nitrate in the world. The documentary explores the town's rise and fall and features interviews with former workers who share their memories of life in Santa Laura.
The film also highlights the industrial heritage of the towns and the role they played in the global economy. Through stunning aerial footage and historical photographs, the documentary showcases the vast network of railway lines that connected Humberstone and Santa Laura to the rest of the world.
In addition, the film also explores the impact of the decline of the mining industry on the local population. The documentary showcases the churches, schools, and other facilities that were built by the mining companies for their workers and how these buildings have been repurposed over time.
Throughout the documentary, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the Atacama Desert and the architecture of the towns. The film features sweeping drone shots of the desert landscape, as well as close-ups of the intricate details of the adobe structures.
The filmmakers use a mix of historical photographs, interviews, and narration to bring the history of Humberstone and Santa Laura to life. The documentary is both educational and entertaining and provides viewers with a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited these desert towns.
Overall, Global Treasures Humberstone & Santa Laura Chile is a captivating documentary that is well worth a watch. The film's unique blend of history, architecture, and stunning visuals makes it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of northern Chile or the impact of the mining industry on local communities.
