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Director(s):
ANDREAS SAGER (Daniel)
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Producer(s):
ARTE GEIE, MEDIENKONTOR Movie GMBH
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Territories:
Worldwide.
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Production year:
2022
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Language(s):
German, English, French
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Rights:
NON-THEATRICAL, TV, VOD, DVD, INTERNET
Since 1963, a unique railway line has been crossing Mauritania and its ocean of sand. With a length of 2.5 kilometres and more than 100 wagons, the desert train has become an indispensable means of transport for its inhabitants. Each 20-hour journey is a challenge, both for the men and the engine.
In the past, the departure station, Zouérat, was a sleepy little village. Today, 50,000 people make their living from mining. Every year, several million tonnes of iron ore are extracted here for Europe and its steel industry. A resident of Zouérat, Sidi Mohamed is one of the drivers of the “Sahara-Express”. For the past 28 years, he has been driving this iron and steel monster, which links two regions that are nothing alike. This railway line, the only one in the country, offers an exceptional spectacle: an immense metal snake, several kilometres long, traces its route whatever the outside temperature and despite the shifting dunes and erosion that sometimes block its path.