Watch When Clouds Clear

When Clouds Clear is a 2008 documentary film directed by Cristobal Krusen and co-directed by Michael Langan. The movie focuses on the lives of the indigenous people who inhabited the Intag region of Ecuador, which is a biodiverse region under threat from mining companies who seek to exploit its mineral wealth. The film showcases the struggles of the people who are fighting to preserve their way of life and the environment they rely on to survive.

The documentary begins by providing background information about the Intag region and its importance. It explains how mining companies have been exploiting the area's mineral wealth since the 1980s, and how they have been met with resistance from the local people who fear for their way of life. The film uses interviews with various members of the community to give a voice to the concerns they have about the mining activities, and to highlight the social and environmental changes that are taking place as a result.

One of the key elements of the documentary is its use of personal stories to highlight the impact of mining on the community. We meet individuals such as a farmer who has lost his land to mining activities, and a woman who has been imprisoned for protesting against mining. Their stories help to humanize the issue and show how mining is affecting the lives of people on a personal level.

Throughout When Clouds Clear, the filmmaker chooses to emphasize the beauty of the Intag region and its natural resources, such as the cloud forests and rivers. This serves to underscore the significance of the struggle to preserve the area from the potentially destructive impacts of mining.

The documentary also delves into the political context of the mining industry in Ecuador. We see how the government has changed over time, with promises of economic growth and development often coming at the expense of the environment and the people who rely on it. There is a focus on the role of multinational corporations in this process, and how they exert influence over government decision-making.

The film takes a non-linear approach to storytelling, interweaving personal stories with information about the region's history and its economic and political context. This approach allows for a nuanced exploration of the complex issues at play in the conflict over mining.

Overall, When Clouds Clear is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the struggles of a community fighting to preserve their way of life and the environment they rely on. Through the use of personal stories, stunning cinematography, and a nuanced exploration of the political and economic context, the film provides a compelling and thought-provoking look at the impacts of mining on the environment and the people who call it home.