The Charcoal People

This documentary, directed by Nigel Noble, chronicles the struggles of migrant workers in Brazil who make charcoal to feed the steel industry. Part of the process includes clearing sections of rain forest -- which ultimately contributes to global warming problems -- and burning the wood in giant kilns. As the film spends time with the poor and uneducated workers, who have little opportunity for other jobs, they tell stories about exploitation by employers and the dangers of their work. …