Waste Land
Filmed over nearly three years, Waste Land follows renowned artist Vik Muniz as he journeys 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" -- or 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 dignity and despair as the catadores begin to re-imagine their lives.
Awards & Festivals: Amnesty International Film Festival Prize, Premiul publicului - secţiunea Panorama - Berlin 2010, Audience Award - Sundance 2010