Nikiczowiec - Poland: Schwarze Hände / 2003 - 2006

We met people in Nikiszowiec who had lost their livelihood, their mining jobs, as a result of the political changes after 1989 and the decline of the coal industry. They tried to make a meagre living by collecting coal. We accompanied them to their work place on the slag heaps on hot summer days and during icy, dark winter days. There they searched with their bare hands for the few remaining pieces of coal. When we visited their homes, we were shocked by their distress. The "comforting alcohol" has shattered many families, but the longing for family life remains.