This documentary follows three teenage boys born into the trash trade and growing up in the world’s largest garbage village on the outskirts of Cairo. It is home to 60,000 “Zabbaleen,” or “Garbage People” in Arabic. Far ahead of any modern green initiatives, the Zabbaleen survive by recycling 80 percent of the garbage they collect. When their community is suddenly faced with the globalization of its trade, each of the three boys is forced to make choices that will impact their future and the future of their community. Directed by Mai Iskander.

Garbage Dreams

1960 US 82 min
Festival Year: 2010
Types: Documentary
Topic: Energy & Resources, Sustainable Living