Tantalum 2014
Tantalum (2014), a bold five-minute short film directed by Johannes Richard Voelkel, confronts a dark reality often hidden behind the global tech industry.
Director: Johannes Richard Voelkel
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tantalum (2014) about?
Tantalum (2014) follows two raw material traders as they haggle over the price of rare earth minerals, only to descend into a disturbing and surreal confrontation. The film serves as a stark indictment of children's slavery in the Democratic Republic of Congo's tantalum mines, weaving corporate greed with human suffering.
Who directed Tantalum?
Tantalum was directed by Johannes Richard Voelkel, a filmmaker known for his evocative and socially conscious short films.
Who stars in Tantalum?
The film stars Paul Frielinghaus and Luka Omoto, whose performances drive the tension and unease at the heart of the story.
Is Tantalum (2014) worth watching?
While Tantalum (2014) is a short film with no IMDb rating, its bold themes and unsettling atmosphere make it a compelling watch for those interested in social commentary. Its brevity and intensity deliver a punch that lingers, particularly for viewers drawn to films that challenge conventional narratives.
How long is Tantalum?
Tantalum runs for just 5 minutes, making it a quick but impactful viewing experience.
About Tantalum (2014) — A Dark Short Film Exposing Rare Earth Slavery
Tantalum (2014), a bold five-minute short film directed by Johannes Richard Voelkel, confronts a dark reality often hidden behind the global tech industry. The story unfolds as two raw material traders negotiate rare earth mineral prices over the phone, only to find their conversation spiraling into something eerie and unsettling. Beyond the negotiation lies a deeper commentary on children's slavery in the Republic of Congo's mines, where tantalum—a crucial component in modern electronics—is extracted under brutal conditions. Voelkel crafts a tense, atmospheric piece that blends corporate cynicism with an unsettling undercurrent, forcing viewers to question the human cost behind the devices they use every day.
Shot in stark, almost clinical tones, Tantalum (2014) uses minimal dialogue to amplify its unsettling atmosphere, with Paul Frielinghaus and Luka Omoto delivering performances that oscillate between professional detachment and creeping unease. The film's brevity belies its heavy themes—exploitation, moral ambiguity, and the unseen victims of our digital world—making it a quietly powerful statement rather than a traditional narrative. It's less a story and more an experience, one designed to linger long after the credits roll.
With its sharp critique of systemic injustice and its haunting, open-ended conclusion, Tantalum stands out as a thought-provoking short film that challenges viewers to look beyond the surface of global trade and technology.