HotDocs: Trailer released for 'Maxima,' documentary on humble Peruvian woman who defied multi-billion dollar mining corporation

Claudia Sparrow directed the film about Máxima Acuña's brave effort to protect nature in the Peruvian Highlands

Máxima Acuña, subject of the documentary "Maxima," directed by Claudia Sparrow. Photo courtesy HotDocs

The prestigious HotDocs festival in Toronto hosted the world premiere of Maxima, a documentary about one courageous woman's fight to preserve the natural beauty of the Peruvian Highlands. 

Máxima Acuña de Chaupe won the Goldman Environmental Prize for her efforts to protect the resources around her, where she and other poor families toil as subsistence farmers. 

"I love the Earth and think of it as if it were my mother," Máxima says in the film, directed by Claudia Sparrow. "I defend the land, I defend the water, because they are life."

But that life and livelihood  was threatened by the arrival of a giant gold mining operation.

"...As a multi-billion-dollar mining project is launched by the American Newmont Mining Corporation and lays claim to the land, Máxima finds her world turned upside down," HotDocs writes. "She's embroiled in conflict, forced eviction, violence and criminal prosecution. Undeterred by the intimidation, Máxima knows what's at stake."

The film screens again on Sunday (May 5) at HotDocs, the final day of the Canadian International Documentary Festival. Watch the trailer below.