Capturing the transformative power of art and the alchemy of the human spirit, the film follows the renowned artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from his home base in Brooklyn to his native Brazil and the world’s largest garbage dump, Jardim Gramacho, located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. There he photographs an eclectic band of “catadores”—self-designated pickers of recyclable materials. Muniz’s initial objective was to “paint” the catadores with garbage. However, his collaboration with these inspiring characters as they recreate photographic images of themselves out of garbage reveals both the dignity and despair of the “catadores” as they begin to re-imagine their lives. Directed by Lucy Walker, João Jardim and Karen Harley. Produced by Almega Projects and O2 Filmes. 2010 Academy Award Nominee, Best Feature Documentary. World Cinema Audience Award, Documentary, 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Waste Land

2010 BR 90 min
Festival Year: 2012
Types: Documentary, Watch Now
Topic: Sustainable Living

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