SOURCE:  StandwithMaxima.com

This documentary is about Máxima Acuña, an illiterate Peruvian farmer who has been standing up to Newmont, one of the largest gold-mining companies in the world.  Maxima claims that she and her family have been victims of human rights violations by this mining company in their continued efforts to seize her legally owned land.

The Yanacocha gold mine is in the Cajamarca region, the poorest province of Peru. Considered to be the fourth largest gold mine in the world.  Yanacocha is owned by Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. (“Yanacocha” or “MYSRL”), which is 51.35% owned by Newmont. 

The documentary MAXIMA tracks the journey from the Peruvian Andes all the way through the Peruvian Supreme Court to the door of the World Bank in Washington D.C., as Máxima Acuña fights for justice and to protect the land, the water supply and the indigenous people from environmental destruction by Newmont’s planned mine expansion.

How to help:  There is an online fundraising campaign via GoFundMe to raise funds for Máxima’s civil case in Peru – which can take up to ten years – and her living expenses while her case is ongoing.

As portrayed in the film, Máxima’s livelihood has been greatly affected by the land dispute since 2011.  In addition to having mounting legal expenses related to the civil case, her ability to grow crops, raise farm animals and make handmade goods has been compromised.

Your donation will help Máxima cover legal expenses (including travel to court hearings) as well as living expenses while her fight is ongoing. All funds will go directly to Maxima and her family.