Új Eldorádó

“Gold has become our curse,” an inhabitant of Rosia Montana observes. After two thousand years, this Romanian mountain village runs the risk of being shoved aside by the Rosia Montana Gold Corporation (RMGC). This enterprise, backed by Canadian investments, has set its mind on the gold-filled rocks under and around the village. More than one-third of the thousand houses has already been vacated; the former occupants were lured away to houses elsewhere with a removal bonus. The already evicted people are not dissatisfied in the least, and RMGC spokespeople assure that when the digging is finished, the village will be rebuilt in an improved state. Not a simple job, considering the two picturesque churches and adjacent cemeteries. The damage to the monumental mine shafts from the Roman era will be irreparable, anyhow. People also fear an environmental disaster as a result of the use of cyanide in mining the gold. Many villagers are simply distrustful and refuse to cooperate. “The Canadian investors want to destroy what Ceaucescu did not dare touch,” they comment bitterly. A Swiss activist supports the villagers; an EU official comes to the village to assess whether the future EU member state adheres to all democratic procedures. The enticement of money makes the Romanian authorities impatient: pending the formal decision, bulldozers are already demolishing the village. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)