Can you believe it's already been two years since the 33 Chilean miners were rescued from being trapped in a mine buried under a solid rock half a mile below ground for 69 days? It doesn't seem like that much time has passed since those dramatic events unfolded. I'm surprised a movie already hasn't already been made and released.
Director Patricia Riggen has been hired to direct the feature film adaptation of the true story captivated the world, called The 33. Thankfully we all know the story has a happy ending.
The film will "recount the events surrounding the mine’s collapse and the subsequent rescue efforts, both from the miners’ perspective and those of the families and rescuers above, culminating in the emotional retrieval of all 33 miners." According to the press release the script written in collaboration with the miners themselves. The movie will also cover "the never-before told story of their first 17 days underground, before contact was made, details of which the miners have kept confidential until this time as part of their ‘pact of silence.’"
I've never heard of Riggen, but she's best known for an independent film she made Under the Same Moon which I haven't seen. But apparently it premiered at Sundance and receieved a standing ovation. According to producer Mike Medavoy, “I saw in her film not only her talent but the real humanity and humor that this film needs. Patricia has the heart and sensibility to bring this story to life in a way that accurately reflects what the miners and their families endured.”
Riggen, who is currently in Chile with the producers talking with the miners has this to say, “I was riveted - along with the rest of the world - as the drama of 33 Chilean miners unfolded. It’s been an extraordinary experience to meet the miners in person and hear from them the detailed account of their time underground. Since their rescue a little less than two years ago, the real story of their incredible survival has gone untold. In their darkest hour, they struggled to maintain their unity. The collapse brought out the best and the worst in them. Ultimately, the human spirit triumphed and all of them came out alive. I feel honored to have the opportunity to bring their extraordinary story to the world.”
The movie will be entirely shot in Chile and produced in English, and filming is scheduled to begin in January of 2013 for a late fall release. Discussions are under way with cast and distributors.
I have no doubt this is going to be an interesting movie that most everyone will want to see.
Source: Coming Soon (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=94625)