‘Black Shine, From ‘State of Silence’ Director Santiago Maza, ’ Delves Into the Aftermath of a 2006 Mining Tragedy That Buried 63 Miners

Santiago Maza’s short documentary “Black Shine” revisits the 2006 Pasta de Conchos mine disaster in Mexico, where an explosion buried miners underground. Premiering at the Morelia Film Festival, the film follows families still seeking the recovery of their loved ones and highlights how their long campaign has been shaped by neglect and impunity.

The documentary centres on El Güero, a former miner whose brother’s remains were recovered, and Elvira, who is still waiting for her husband. Maza says families have experienced moments of relief as some remains are recovered, after years of struggle. The film was shot over four days with a small crew in Coahuila; the article gives conflicting figures for the number of miners buried, citing 63 in the headline and 65 in the text.