Arica

Director: Lars Edman & William Johansson Kalén

Sweden/Chile/Belgium/Norway/UK, 2020

97′

Synopsis

Toxic Colonialism – the export of waste material from rich to poor countries – is on trial. A Swedish mining company exports 20,000 tonnes of toxic waste to the Chilean desert town of Arica. Thousands of people become sick, many die from cancer. “Arica” plunges us into the groundbreaking corporate accountability trial which begins after Lars Edman – born in Chile and raised in Boliden – exposes the scandal. Alongside his co-director William Johansson, Lars follows the story for 15 years, exposing how decisions made decades ago in Europe continue to affect people in South America. Part personal journey, part courtroom drama, “Arica” is the story of an afflicted community fighting for justice against a multinational company desperate to clear their name.

About Director

Lars and William worked together on the first documentary about Arica, Toxic Playground, which went on to win 6 international awards, screened all over the world and prompted a lawsuit against Boliden. The filmmakers stayed in touch with the community over the course of 15 years, working on this story. Lars Edman was born in Chile and grew up in the Swedish village of Boliden, where the mining company had originally been established. Lars now lives in the north of Norway, working as a speech and language therapist.William has worked as a director, producer, DoP and editor since 2006. He is a producer and shareholder of Laika Film.

Crew

Producer: Andreas Rocksén and William Johansson Kalén(Laika Film)

Co-Producer: Hanne Phlypo (Clin d’Oeil films)José Miguel Garrido Valdéz (Aricadoc)Andy Jones, Ellie Smith (Radio Film)Karl Emil Rikardsen, Knut Skoglund (Relation04 Media)Anna Svensson, Matti Kentrschynskyj (SVT)Katja Härkönen (Filmpool Nord)Isabelle Christiaens (RTBF)

Trailer

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