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The Charcoal People

Play trailer Poster for The Charcoal People Released Jan 26, 2000 1h 10m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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This documentary, directed by Nigel Noble, chronicles the struggles of migrant workers in Brazil who make charcoal to feed the steel industry. Part of the process includes clearing sections of rain forest -- which ultimately contributes to global warming problems -- and burning the wood in giant kilns. As the film spends time with the poor and uneducated workers, who have little opportunity for other jobs, they tell stories about exploitation by employers and the dangers of their work.

Audience Reviews

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Rosana B Emendando 4 documentários sofridos sobre as mazelas brasileiras, "Estamira" (sobre a vida no lixão), "Garapa" (sobre a fome) e "Os Carvoeiros", este não é sobre o trabalho nas carvoarias do Brasil, e sim sobre a escravidão moderna, onde o escravo recebe para devolver ao patrão pagando aluguel e comprando sua alimentação, e sempre está devendo, isso quando não passam fome, sem estudo, sem esperança, sem expectativa para eles, só resta sonhar com algo melhor para os filhos… Documentário denúncia. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/25 Full Review Audience Member This film is close to perfect. Yes it's beautifully photographed and an excellent documentary, but what makes it perfect to me is the honesty of the story. When a filmmaker is honest in approaching a subject, it always sparkles on film. The truth is beautiful, but in this case, it hurts as well. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Charcoal People

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Cast & Crew

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Nigel Noble

Director

José Padilha

Writer

José Padilha

Producer

Marcos Prado

Co-Producer

Jozane Resende

Co-Producer

João Nabuco

Original Music
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The Charcoal People

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Movie Info

Synopsis This documentary, directed by Nigel Noble, chronicles the struggles of migrant workers in Brazil who make charcoal to feed the steel industry. Part of the process includes clearing sections of rain forest -- which ultimately contributes to global warming problems -- and burning the wood in giant kilns. As the film spends time with the poor and uneducated workers, who have little opportunity for other jobs, they tell stories about exploitation by employers and the dangers of their work.
Director
Nigel Noble
Producer
José Padilha
Screenwriter
José Padilha
Distributor
The Cinema Guild
Production Co
Les Zazen Producoes
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Brazilian Portuguese
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 26, 2000, Original
Runtime
1h 10m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital