The Last Ice Merchant. Documentary by Sandy Patch

19/04/2015. [VIDEO] by Sandy Patch, Monte Chimborazo [Andes] Ecuador
metalocus, ALEX DURO

Baltazar Ushca has been walking up Chimborazo Mountain's hillside more than 50 years just for harvesting the ice in the peak of the volcano, currently inactive. While years ago he worked with his two brothers now he is alone. The work is not constant, it is really rough and it does not generate much money.

Video screenshot. El Último Hielero - The Last Ice Merchant.

Video screenshot. El Último Hielero - The Last Ice Merchant.

In May 2012, Día a Día ran a report on Ecuadorian TV following the making of the documentary, Baltazar’s trip to New York and the screening in Cuatro Esquinas.

"I wanted to portray the characters as the decent people they are and show a very human story, their circumstances, a film tha will portray the indigenous community positively for both external audiences, and for the community."

"I had the first contact with Baltazar by my good friend Rodrigo Donoso (later he was the producer of the film). Rodrigo knows Baltazar, his family and the local people for over 20 years, mostly working as tour guides. I was immediately captivated and impressed with Baltazar. It was hard to believe that a man of 67 years and no taller than 5 feet walk up a mountain alone in the rain, sleet, snow and sun, just for the ice. When I met Baltazar's brothers and talked to his family, I came across a story that could be felt deep resonate beyond this small community."

Sandy Patch.

For over 50 years Baltazar Ushca has harvested the glacial ice of Ecuador’s Mount Chimborazo. His brothers have long since retired. “El Último Hielero” is a story of cultural change and adaption.