Jens Schanze's new documentary, 'Materia Prima,' examines the intense global demand for lithium, a critical element for electrical storage, data centers, and electric vehicles, including smartphones. The film, which premiered at CPH:DOX, highlights the intricate connection between this modern 'gold rush' and historical colonial patterns. It showcases the tension between European industrial needs and the aspirations of Bolivian communities, revealing the human and environmental costs of resource extraction.
The documentary specifically focuses on Bolivia's Andes region, home to the world's largest lithium deposits. Here, European governments and multinational corporations are in fierce competition to secure access to this 'white gold' to power the global energy transition. This pursuit, however, profoundly affects the daily lives of local inhabitants, including farmers, miners, and llama herders. The film uses an observational approach to present multiple perspectives, illustrating how global ambitions collide with local realities and how past colonial experiences continue to shape present-day resource politics.
Produced by Mascha Film GbR in collaboration with Filmtank GmbH, 'Materia Prima' was also featured in the CPH:DOX Right Here, Right Now program. Director Jens Schanze, who lived in Bolivia in the 1990s, was inspired to explore the ongoing struggle for natural resources within the context of colonialism and economic justice. He emphasized that the film delves into the expectations and negotiations among various stakeholders, examining their perceptions of each other and how historical colonial experiences influence their decisions. The extensive six-year production period allowed the team to build a strong network in Bolivia and gain access to diverse groups, from village communities to EU diplomats and the Bolivian government.
The film's trailer provides a glimpse into the epic landscapes of Bolivia, filled with imagery of hope, promises, hard work, llamas, and discussions of guerrilla movements. It underscores the complex interplay of international interests and local livelihoods, showing how the quest for modern technology's essential raw materials revives age-old power dynamics and colonial legacies.
'Materia Prima' offers a compelling look at the contemporary lithium boom, drawing parallels between the current race for resources and historical colonial exploitation. It serves as a stark reminder of the social and environmental consequences driven by global technological advancement and the imperative for equitable and sustainable resource management.
