Materia Prima
“New Energy. Old Powers?”
Synopsis
Bolivia has the world's largest deposits of lithium, a metal that is essential for the energy transition. Without lithium, no electricity storage facility, no data centre, no electric car, no smartphone would work. The Europeans want the raw material to save their automotive industry. The Bolivians want it to combat poverty. While the Bolivian government negotiates with corporations from around the world, civil society groups are mobilising in rural areas, organised mainly by women. The film offers a rare insight into the Europeans' strategy to secure the sought-after material and carves out the conflicting interests towards extractivism and industrialisation in Bolivia.
Release History & Theatrical Window
CPH:DOX
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jens Schanze
- Original Score
- Atena Eshtiaghi
- Original Title
- Materia Prima
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Release Date
- 22/10/2026
- Spoken Languages
- Aymara, English, Quechua, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Production Studios
- Mascha Film, Cine Global Filmverleih
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jens Schanze
Atena Eshtiaghi
Börres Weiffenbach
Ulrike Tortora
Department Leadership Roster
Jens Schanze
Director
Börres Weiffenbach
Director of Photography
Ulrike Tortora
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 0 — Approved without age restriction.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Materia Prima.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Materia Prima
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Materia Prima about?
Bolivia has the world's largest deposits of lithium, a metal that is essential for the energy transition. Without lithium, no electricity storage facility, no data centre, no electric car, no smartphone would work. The Europeans want the raw material to save their automotive industry. The Bolivians want it to combat poverty. While the Bolivian government negotiates with corporations from around the world, civil society groups are mobilising in rural areas, organised mainly by women. The film offers a rare insight into the Europeans' strategy to secure the sought-after material and carves out the conflicting interests towards extractivism and industrialisation in Bolivia.
Who directed Materia Prima?
Materia Prima was directed by Jens Schanze.
Who stars in Materia Prima?
The principal cast of Materia Prima includes Not specified.
When was Materia Prima released and how long is it?
Materia Prima was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 29m.
Who composed the musical score for Materia Prima?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Materia Prima was composed by Atena Eshtiaghi.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Materia Prima?
Materia Prima holds official age classifications: DE: 0 (FSK 0 — Approved without age restriction.).