The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine is a Chilean documentary directed by Alfredo Pourailly De La Plaza. It depicts the story of an ageing 60 year old gold miner (Toto), whose health is on a continuing decline and his innovative son (Jorge), who makes it his mission to create a gold harvesting machine to ease the strenuous lifestyle of his father.
Toto and Jorge live on the southernmost point of Chile and for over fourty years, Toto has provided for Jorge and the rest of his family by working in the Tierra del Fuego mines. The four decades of physical and manual labour had finally caught up with Toto who now has a brain seizure disorder. Despite this and the disapproval of his son he continues to work in the mines, ignoring the better judgement of both medical professionals and his family.
The documentary is beautifully shot and showcases the vast, remote landscapes these miners live and work in and how far away they are from a thriving civilisation. A particularly impressive shot from the documentary was one of Toto’s hands which tells a story of a lifetime of hard work, struggle and desperation as you can see the calloused, rough nature of his hands, a nature of which is only possible through living a life in the mines.
A life that, at times, isn’t worth the long days and nights. Toto depicts the amount of gold he can get in one day, and the yield doesn’t account for the work he puts in. He himself states that he can only sell these small gold nuggets for 15-20 dollars.
The story spans over a span of multiple years, following their lives through key events such as birthdays, Christmases and new years, where there is a worry that it may be Toto’s last, especially when he experiences a seizure while mining with his son.
Due to the uncertainty of the state of his dad’s health, Jorge sets out to create a gold harvesting machine that automates the process, allowing Toto to not have to venture out into the mines anymore. The building of this machine takes years, starting in 2017 and finally reaching its completion on the May 7, 2023.
Through the course of six years, Jorge has had to watch his father work long and enduring days, not knowing if his body would give up while he was trying his hardest to build this machine. On that fateful day in May the machine was finally put to work and all his hard work for his dad paid off.
It’s a heartwarming tale of familial love, one that at times can be emotional as you see Toto get sicker, a story of passion and anger as you see Jorge get upset with his father for continuing to work but it’s a familiar and relatable feeling that most can relate to, as Jorge’s anger is born out of love for his father.
It’s also a picture of past and present, tradition and innovation and old and new. One that showcases how older generations can feel left behind as technology develops, the gap and dichotomy present in the same household with Toto being the traditionalist and Jorge the innovator.
At its core, The Fabulous Gold Harvesting Machine is a story between father and son, a story of family, of love. A story that highlights even though there are differences and clashes between the past and present of Toto and Jorge, family and love comes above all.
A message that will leave a lasting impact on the audience.
Featured Image Credit: Sanfic