Atacama Desert

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Date
1943
Main contributors
United States Information Agency; United States. Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs
Summary
Begins with a brief geography lesson to orient North American viewers to the size and climate of Chile. Scenes of indigenous shepherding in desert villages are followed by a visit to the Christmas celebration of the Virgin of Andecollo. Scenes at a giant open-pit copper mine at Chuquicamata show the extraction process from blasting ore to refining.  Narration states that the Atacama holds the world's largest source of nitrate; a history of this lucrative industry is summarized. The mineral riches of the region go to market at the sea ports of Tocapilla and Antofagasta. The wealth from Chile's natural resources are shown accruing in the prosperous, modern cities of Valparaiso and Santiago.
Contributors
Julien Bryan : cinematographer, narrator, producer; William James : Cinematographer; Philip Stapp : Graphics by; Tom Cobb : Script by; Louis Horst: Music by
Locations
Tocapilla, Chile; Chuquicamata, Chile; Chiuchiu, Chile; Antofagasta, Chile; El Tofo, Chile; Andacollo, Chile
Collection
IUL Moving Image Archive
Unit
IUL Moving Image Archive
Language
English
Physical Description
1 film reel (16 min., 47 sec.) : sound, black and white ; 16 mm 

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