Compressor Gold Mining is the most deadly gold extraction method on earth and is unique to the Philippines. It is considered illegal, but the law is largely ignored. Miners (nicknamed “players”) work underwater, breathing through a slender tube attached to a compressor on the surface and even in relatively shallow waters, the practice is extremely dangerous. Drownings, accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning are common. Because of their smaller size, children make up a large percentage of miners.

The Filipino government's SHIELD initiative pledged to remove children from hazardous labor conditions, but the COVID-19 pandemic reversed nearly all progress. Now, oversight has been lost, gold prices have dipped, and children are forced into working in the mines for even less than before. Players, as a narrative short, aims to raise awareness to a broader audience through unflinching storytelling with the goal of mobilizing change in collaboration with human rights advocacy and educational partnerships across the globe.

We are asking for support in the form of tax-deductible cash donations through our nonprofit fiscal sponsor (From The Heart Productions). Supporting this project means contributing to the broader goal of human rights advocacy and educational partnerships, which can have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by this issue. In essence, donating to "Players" is not just about supporting a film; it's about making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable communities and working towards a more just and equitable world.

• $10,000 Gift | Associate Producer Credit | Up to 5 Available

I first encountered the harrowing reality of compressor mining through a Human Rights Watch documentary, while comfortably nestled in my bed. As I witnessed the unimaginable unfold on my screen – children toiling in a 30-foot underwater shaft, breathing through a grimy rubber tube for hours to earn a meager four dollars a day – it struck me profoundly. This revelation compelled me to craft a script, its tender core centered around the innocence of a child's worldview, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of survival, desperation, and the feeling of being trapped by circumstances beyond one's control.

While news documentaries and journalism have provided factual insights, I believe this subject warrants a more profound exploration of the emotional toll and life-threatening consequences these children face daily. Through a first-person narrative storytelling approach, my aim is to delve deeper, offering an intimate portrayal that moves beyond mere facts. I envision "Players" not only as an eye-opening experience, but as a powerful tool for education and advocacy, capable of mobilizing action and inspiring positive change in addressing the plight of child miners in the Philippines.