DESCRIPTION/
On the trawler The Spirit of Namibia, moored off the coast of Africa, diamond mining goes on around the clock. On the ocean floor the supply of the coveted little gems seems endless, but their capture is muddy with politics and fraught with racial tensions. Without commentary, filmmakers Adi Barash and Ruthie Shatz plunge us into the daily life of an international crew working in the service of a faceless mining conglomerate that owns not only the ship but the surrounding waters as well. As they do battle with the rusty old boat and its dubious rewards, the men are drawn into contemplation of their situation. Their social matrix is a revealing microcosm: white South Africans spouting racist theories, Cubans who write poetry and speak of love, an Israeli security manager who makes himself the enemy, Namibian deck hands who find themselves colonized in their own country. It's a fascinating tale -- a heart of darkness in which diamonds are forever.

BIOGRAPHY/
Ruthie Shatz (Israel/1973): Director / Producer / Editor / Writer
Diamonds and Rust marks Ruthie Shatz¹s documentary directorial debut. Shatz studied film at the world renowned Sam Spiegel Film Institute, Juresalem Israel and graduated in (1998). She is currently working on a project in Tiawan and is working as a documentary editor.
Adi Barash (Israel/1970): Director / Producer / Camera / Writer
Diamonds and Rust marks Adi Barash¹s documentary directorial debut. Barash studied film at Camera Obscure Film and Art School, Tel-Aviv, Israel and graduated with honors in (1998). He is currently working on a project in Tiawan and in New York.


CONTACT/
Adi Barash and Ruthie Shatz
Face It Group Films
27 West 96 Street Apt .#8A
New York, NY 10025
E-mail: adibarsh@aol.com
URL: www.diamondsandrust.tv