Vik Muniz collaborates with catadores at Jardim Gramacho, the world's largest landfill, to create art from waste while supporting their community through ACAMJG.
“What happens in the world's largest trash city will transform you.”
Synopsis
Vik Muniz collaborates with catadores at Jardim Gramacho, the world's largest landfill, to create art from waste while supporting their community through ACAMJG.
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Synopsis
Vik Muniz stands among the towering heaps of Jardim Gramacho, the largest landfill in the world, located just outside Rio de Janeiro. He collaborates with catadores, workers who salvage recyclable materials, to create art from the refuse surrounding them. The film documents their efforts and the stories of the catadores, revealing their aspirations and daily struggles. Proceeds from Muniz's artwork benefit the ACAMJG, the cooperative led by Sebastião "Tião" Carlos Dos Santos, which supports the community of waste pickers.
What Critics Say
The GuardianA documentary about the 'art' of scavenging raises some uncomfortable ethical questions.
The pickers seem surprisingly cheerful. They feel pride in their labor and talk of their service to the environment.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Vik Muniz and the catadores of Jardim Gramacho.
- See how trash is transformed into contemporary art.
- Find out how art impacts the lives of landfill workers.
Did You Know
- The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2010.
- Waste Land won over 50 film awards, including the Golden Tomato Award.
- It has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 71 reviews.
- The film's music was created by Moby, a frequent collaborator of Lucy Walker.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Waste Land?
Waste Land was directed by Lucy Walker, co-directed by João Jardim and Karen Harley.
What is the Portuguese title of Waste Land?
The Portuguese title of Waste Land is Lixo Extraordinário, which translates to 'Extraordinary Garbage'.
How many awards did Waste Land win?
Waste Land won over 50 film awards, including the International Documentary Association's Best Documentary Award.
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