Italian
A tale of dreams and gold: The journey of ‘The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine’
A father and son’s quest for a better life
In the heart of Chile’s remote Tierra del Fuego, a touching story unfolds in the documentary The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine. This film, which is among the contenders at the 20th Santiago International Film Festival, follows the lives of Toto and his son Jorge as they strive to improve their circumstances through the creation of a unique gold harvesting machine.
The enduring spirit of Toto
Toto, one of the last remaining artisanal gold miners in Tierra del Fuego, claims to be 56 years old, though his weathered appearance suggests many more years of hardship. Decades of laboring in the harsh, cold, and wet conditions have taken a toll on his health, leaving him moving stiffly and fearing he may not live to see his son’s ambitious project come to fruition.
A glimpse into their world
The international trailer for The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine opens with Toto’s voice, narrating his thoughts as he writes in his journal—a practice he has adopted in case he dies while working alone in the field. This poignant introduction sets the stage for a deeply personal and emotional journey.
The director’s dedication
Director Alfredo Pourailly spent years visiting Tierra del Fuego on investigative missions before meeting Toto and Jorge. Initially planning to profile various individuals in the region, Pourailly was captivated by the duo’s story and decided to focus solely on their quest to build the gold harvesting machine. Jorge, a gaucho with a talent for bronco riding, takes on the challenge of constructing the machine almost entirely on his own. Utilizing his skills as a welder, he gathers materials from scrap metal, purchased parts, and even YouTube tutorials to bring their dream to life.
A labor of love
Pourailly’s directorial debut was a long and arduous process. He first met Toto in 2015, but it wasn’t until 2018 that he secured the necessary funding to begin filming in earnest. With just a sound man by his side, Pourailly made numerous trips to document the father and son’s journey, filming for weeks at a time until 2023. This extended period allowed him to build a strong rapport with his subjects, enabling them to open up and share their lives more intimately.
The emotional journey
Documentaries often have unpredictable outcomes, and The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine is no exception. Pourailly shared Toto’s anxiety about the machine’s completion, hoping for a happy ending. Jorge’s progress was slow, as he could only work on the machine in his spare time, leading to years of anticipation and frustration for both father and son. Meanwhile, Toto continued to sift for tiny grains of gold, selling them to tourists, with the hope of finding a rare nugget.
A story of love and inspiration
Pourailly aimed to highlight the deep bond between father and son, hoping their story would resonate with audiences and inspire them to pursue their own dreams. The film’s world premiere at Canada’s Hot Docs festival was met with acclaim, winning two prizes, including the Ibero-American Documentary award at Mexico’s prestigious Guadalajara Film Festival. The documentary was co-produced by Francisco Hervé of Chile’s Juntos Films and Annemiek van der Hell of the Netherlands’ Windmill Film, with Bart van den Broek of Fever Film as an associate producer and Renato Manganello of Utopia Docs handling international sales.
The festival journey
The 20th edition of the Santiago International Film Festival runs from August 18-25, showcasing a diverse array of films, including The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine. This documentary not only captures the essence of a unique and challenging way of life but also serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and the human spirit.
For those interested in exploring more about this touching documentary, you can watch the trailer here.
Personal reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts:
As a lover of cinema and storytelling, The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine offers a profound look into the lives of individuals often overlooked by mainstream media. The dedication and resilience of Toto and Jorge are not just inspiring but also a reminder of the lengths to which people will go to achieve their dreams. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates heartfelt, real-life stories that challenge and uplift the human spirit.
For those who enjoy diving deep into the world of documentaries, this film provides a rich tapestry of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. It stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of familial love and determination.
