WHITE GOLD: THE RISE & FALL OF PERU’S COCAINE ECONOMY

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary plunges viewers into the complex and often perilous world of Peru's cocaine economy, a region once dubbed "Cocaine Valley." It masterfully chronicles the rise and subsequent fall of the "white gold" trade, revealing how a lucrative industry, deeply ingrained in the lives of farmers, smugglers, and entire communities, has begun to unravel. The narrative powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of global economic shifts, particularly the disruptions caused by the pandemic, which severed supply chains and led to a surplus of coca crops. As buyers disappeared and prices plummeted, those who depended on this illicit economy found themselves facing an unprecedented crisis. The film doesn't shy away from the human cost, depicting the struggles of families and workers pushed to the brink. It offers a stark, insightful look at the fragility of illicit economies and the profound consequences for individuals whose lives are inextricably linked to the global demand for cocaine.