The film is based on the events of the 2010 Copiapó mining accident , also known as the " Chilean mining accident " . It is directed by Patricia Riggen and written by Mikko Alanne and José Rivera . Producer Mike Medavoy , who also produced '' Apocalypse Now '' , worked with the miners , their families , and those involved to put the film together . On 13 August 2014 , it was announced that '' The 33 '' would be the first film to receive the Colombian Film Commission 's incentive , which includes 40 % for film services and 20 % for film logistics services of the amount spent in the country
2010 Copiapó mining accident
2010 Copiapó mining accident
The 33