Patricia Riggen on Board to Direct Chilean Miners Film

Patricia Riggen (Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna)) has come on board to direct the project, currently titled The 33, based on the true story of the 33 miners trapped in the San Jose collapsed mine in Copiapo, Chile. They were rescued after being trapped for 69 days and the extraction itself saw more than 1 billion people watching it on television. Mike Medavoy who joined the project as producer said that Riggen's work on Under the Same Moon convinced him she was the right fit for the story of the real-life heroes of the San Jose mine. The Mexican-born Riggen who is currently in Chile meeting with the miners, said:

I was riveted – along with the rest of the world – as the drama of 33 Chilean miners unfolded. It's been an extraordinary experience to meet the miners in person and hear from them the detailed account of their time underground. Since their rescue a little less than two years ago, the real story of their incredible survival has gone untold. In their darkest hour, they struggled to maintain their unity. The collapse brought out the best and the worst in them. Ultimately, the human spirit triumphed and all of them came out alive. I feel honored to have the opportunity to bring their extraordinary story to the world.

Riggen has also directed the 2011 Disney Channel film Lemonade Mouth as well as Eva Mendes in the indie drama, Girl in Progress. Medavoy, who lived in Chile for 10 years, secured all 33 of the miners' rights to the story last year. Meanwhile, the miners celebrated the second year anniversary of the collapse last month. The 33 will be shot in Chile and will be produced in English. Filming is set to start in January 2013, with the producers eyeing a fall release. Casting on the film is underway.