5th anniversary of Chilean miner rescues marked with special screenings of 'The 33'

BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The five-year anniversary of the rescue of 33 trapped Chilean miners after 69 days was marked Tuesday with special screenings of the new film The 33 at Chilean Consulates in the United States and Canada.

The movie documents the harrowing, true story of how nearly three dozen men survived being trapped for over two months, more than 2,000 feet below the surface, when the copper-gold mine in which they were working collapsed in Copiapó.

Starring Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Juliette Binoche, James Brolin and Lou Diamond Phillips, the big-screen drama was made with the cooperation of the real-life miners, their families and their rescuers. It is set for theatrical release Nov. 13.

"I am thrilled and honored that our film is playing a part in celebrating the five-year anniversary of this momentous event," director Patricia Riggen said in a statement.

"Our main goal in making The 33 was to show the courage and resilience of the men who were trapped, the hope and faith of their families, and the determination of the rescuers who overcame near-impossible odds to bring them home. Their inspiring story captured the attention of millions five years ago and it should never be forgotten."