TPI Brings Precious Gems to Cannes.

TPI will offer at MIPDOC and MIP-TV a diverse collection of international-themed programming including feature film, documentaries and lifestyle programming.

The Emerald Empire

Featured at MIPDOC is TPI's highly acclaimed production "The Emerald Empire". In this special documentary, we go deep into the heart of the Colombian Andes, where hard-luck laborers, maverick mine owners and ruthless drug lords battle for control over the world's richest emerald mining region.

For over 500 years, the emeralds of Colombia have been revered by Indian shamans, craved by Spanish conquistadors, coveted by royalty, and preferred by collectors of fine jewelry. Today, 60 percent of the world's emeralds come from Colombian mines, carved out of a mysterious and misunderstood region known as the "Emerald Empire".

Now, the many facets of this fascinating corner of Colombia are revealed in a new documentary produced by TPI. One year in the making, "The Emerald Empire" illuminates the dark history of emerald mining in Colombia's western Boyaca region, where a cartel of emerald impresarios controls the wealth, and most people face an everyday struggle for food, shelter, and security.

The program features rare interviews with Victor Carranza, Colombia's controversial emerald king. It includes never-before-seen scenes from inside Carranza's legendary Puerto Arturo mine -- source of the world's richest emerald deposits - and shows the emerald magnate personally discovering a rich, new lode of emeralds.

"The Emerald Empire" also includes the voices and perspectives of laborers, scavengers, mine owners, exporters, government officials, soldiers, clergy and children, providing heartfelt insights on why the promise of long-shot riches continues to pull people into the mines, despite unpredictable paychecks and dangerous working conditions.