Demon Mineral

"Provides a lens into an adversely affected community that is often ignored by mainstream media... Demon Mineral opens up a critical discussion about the long-term effects of mining and the systematic oppression of the indigenous community which is why I highly recommend the film for courses with an interest in environmentalism, human rights, public health, and indigenous studies."

"Demon Mineral amplifies the voices of those affected by uranium mining, shedding light on their struggles and celebrating their tireless efforts for environmental justice and healing. [...] This anti-nuclear, Navajo-centered documentary would make a fantastic addition to nearly any library collection. Highly recommended."

"Demon Mineral opens up a critical discussion about the long-term effects of mining and the systematic oppression of the indigenous community which is why I highly recommend the film for courses with an interest in environmentalism, human rights, public health, and indigenous studies."

"Demon Mineral paints a devastating portrait of bureaucratic inaction and its long-term impact on human life. This fascinating documentary employs an array of well-sourced scientific data, coupled with archival and on-the-ground footage, to bring into vivid focus the heartbreaking toll of omnipresent radiation on the Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah Indigenous population... The illuminating Demon Mineral is an essential vehicle for those directly impacted by this dire situation to draw attention to their plight."

"A film manifesto that is intelligent in both its form and narrative content."

"Austin's direction is precise, and though the film is presented more like a mosaic and less like a linear narrative, the experience is profoundly affecting. Demon Mineral is a damning indictment of the U.S. government's negligence and violence toward Indigenous communities and serves as a strong companion piece to last year's Oppenheimer, showing just how far-reaching the negative effects of the nuclear arms race were."

"Extraordinary, haunting documentary... An incredibly distinctive, inventive film"

"Hadley Austin's Demon Mineral combines a portrait of problems and insights into the present of the indigenous Navajo into a cross-stylistic documentary. A visually and thematically interesting debut that doesn't follow any obsessive structure."

"The impression of despair is as strong as the structure of Austin's film is relentless, combining misdeeds, solutions and testimonies in a kind of inevitability making the outcome as predictable as it is outrageous. At a time when American cinema is celebrating the so-called intelligence of Oppenheimer, Austin's little film is to be celebrated so much it shows the complexity of this underground fight against global poisoning."

"Like entering a living, breathing chronicle where ancient traditions clash with modern environmental challenges... A vibrant pulsating narrative that paints a picture of resilience against the harsh backdrop of uranium mining in the Navajo Nation... Demon Mineral is a rich, emotionally charged narrative that captures the essence of a community's battle for survival. Austin and her team have crafted a compelling, educational narrative that offers a deep dive into a chapter of American history that often goes unnoticed. Blending personal stories with environmental activism and cultural insights, Demon Mineral is an essential watch for anyone fascinated by the intersection of history, environment, and indigenous rights."

Slamdance Film Festival, Audience Award, Best Documentary Feature

Mill Valley Film Festival

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival

Slamdance Film Festival

Munich International Documentary Festival

International First Peoples Festival

Osnabrück Film Festival