Meerkat Films (2009)

Ob Doc, in post-production

 

Synopsis

Behind the Mask is a documentary following the extraordinarily difficult and fascinating lives of the boys who work in the streets of La Paz shining shoes for a living.  Earning pennies for their efforts, often with families to feed, the boys face the added pressure of the discrimination by the people of the city and for this reason, conceal their identities with woollen balaclavas. 

Although many boys have higher aspirations and take advantage of the many opportunities provided by many voluntary organisations, they live on the edge of succumbing to the pull of drugs, alcohol and sleeping rough. 

The film portrays the true struggles of the boys, often conveniently ignored and misunderstood by the people who write them off as dangerous thieves, wasting their lives on drugs.  By following their typical working day on the street, this film reveals the real person behind the mask