New Film to Spotlight Faith of Chilean Miners

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Aug 04, 2015

New Film to Spotlight Faith of Chilean Miners

Warner Bros. and Alcon Entertainment have teamed up to make The 33, a film based on the true story of 33 Chilean miners who were trapped underground for 69 days. 

Aug. 5 marks five years since the San José Mine collapsed, leaving the 33 men trapped 2,300 feet underground. With very little food and water, the men relied on their faith in God for survival. 

CNN reports the miners prayer together that the world watching from above ground would not abandon them. 

Shift foreman Luis Urzua said, "When we prayed, we didn't pray to get rescued; we prayed for the people outside not to abandon us.” 

Rescuers drilled for weeks to get to the miners. In the meantime, food and water was sent through a small tube to keep the men alive; some days one can of tuna was split between 33 men for the day’s meal. 

Throughout their time underground, the men remained faithful that God was with them in the mine. One miner’s wife gave birth to a baby girl while the men were trapped. The child was named Esperanza, (Hope in Spanish) and gave renewed hope to the miners while they waited to be rescued. 

Finally, a team of drilling experts reached the miners. One by one, the men were rescued through a 22-inch tube and brought to the surface. All 33 survived. 

Miner Jorge Galleguillos said in a recent interview, “There aren't words to continue thanking God enough.” 

The film will be released in theaters on Nov. 13. The trailer can be viewed here

Publication date: August 4, 2015



New Film to Spotlight Faith of Chilean Miners