The short Spanish language documentary El CHARANGO explores the relationship between the Bolivian stringed instrument, known as the charango, and Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain). Cerro Rico in Potosi, Bolivia is the richest silver depo...

Jim Virga

El Charango

The Human Spirit

El Charango blends the pain of the past with the beauty of the existing people and their culture in Potosi, Bolivia. This documentary is perfect for the music lover, the lover of anthropology, and the lover of history. It also gives you a glimpse into the lives of real people who live under difficult circumstances (in today&apos;s world), and yet, feel some comfort in the sound of this mini-stringed instrument. An instrument that was born from the hard-work and death of millions. This film takes you to a place you may never see with your own eyes. It also exposes you to a sound you may never hear in its rawest form. The story of the people is told through the instrument, and the story of the instrument is told through the people. One can not exist without the other. They are inseparable. Visually, Virga has shown careful attention to color and composition, without having to compromise content. Beautifully edited, El Charango holds your attention the whole way through, and leaves you eager for more. The intensity of the plot builds into a strong climax that enlightens viewers in the end. This story is worthy of the world&apos;s attention. It holds a universal theme that can be understood by people of all cultures and backgrounds; the resilience of the human spirit. Overall, a short that shows you how good documentaries can be done. Excellent.

El Charango blends the pain of the past with the beauty of the existing people and their culture in Potosi, Bolivia. This documentary is perfect for the music lover, the lover of anthropology, and the lover of history. It also gives you a glimpse into the lives of real people who live under difficult circumstances (in today's world), and yet, feel some comfort in the sound of this mini-stringed instrument. An instrument that was born from the hard-work and death of millions. This film takes you to a place you may never see with your own eyes. It also exposes you to a sound you may never hear in its rawest form. The story of the people is told through the instrument, and the story of the instrument is told through the people. One can not exist without the other. They are inseparable. Visually, Virga has shown careful attention to color and composition, without having to compromise content. Beautifully edited, El Charango holds your attention the whole way through, and leaves you eager for more. The intensity of the plot builds into a strong climax that enlightens viewers in the end. This story is worthy of the world's attention. It holds a universal theme that can be understood by people of all cultures and backgrounds; the resilience of the human spirit. Overall, a short that shows you how good documentaries can be done. Excellent.

The short Spanish language documentary El CHARANGO explores the relationship between the Bolivian stringed instrument, known as the charango, and Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain). Cerro Rico in Potosi, Bolivia is the richest silver deposit the world has ever known. It was discovered in 1545 by Spanish conquistadors, who enslaved the local indigenous people. They also imported African slaves to mine the silver. It is said that 8 million people died in the mines of this mountain while providing Spain with immense wealth. Potosi, by the way, is the highest city in the world at an elevation of 14,000 feet. The Spanish culture spread into Potosi during this time, and the local people became aware of something they had never seen or heard before: a stringed instrument. Forbidden from ever playing the Spanish guitar, the miners copied it and created the charango. Even today, nearly 150 years after the end of Spanish rule, the charango ! continues to be a companion to many in Potosi, miners or not. Although the documentary primarily focuses on the charango it is not a historical piece. The story of the charango symbolizes the larger struggle for human rights and a quest to keep traditional culture alive among indigenous people, and the people of Potosi in particular. It is a story of the fight for survival of the human spirit on this earth and the struggle of indigenous people for their rightful place in modern day society. El Charango introduces viewers to several charango players including the most renowned charango player in the world today, Ernesto Cavour Ayamaro. The film also journeys into the bowels of the mines of Cerro Rico as it observes what lies beneath.

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El Charango

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