Watch Landfill

Landfill is a documentary film from 2011 that sheds light on the environmental and societal impact of modern-day consumption and waste management. The film is directed by Jessica Edwards and follows the life of landfill worker and artist Vik Muniz, who travels to his home country of Brazil to photograph and depict the lives of people who work and live beside the world's largest landfill, Jardim Gramacho, located in Rio de Janeiro.

The film begins with Muniz's journey to Brazil and his introduction to the life of the catadores, the people who work in and around the landfill, scavenging the waste for recyclable materials. The documentary portrays their hard life, their struggles with poverty, and their courage to fight against discrimination and social exclusion. As Muniz learns about their lives, he decides to create images of them by using the garbage they collect, turning the recycled waste into art. His aim is to bring attention to the catadores' lives, and to the issue of excessive waste and consumption.

As the movie progresses, we see the incredible power of art to bridge gaps between different worlds and to bring social awareness. Muniz collaborates with the catadores to create giant portraits of them, made out of the garbage they gather. In a fascinating process, the movie shows how Muniz and his team sketch huge images onto the ground, then fill them in with piles of garbage. The portraits are then photographed from high above, creating a stunning display of vivid color and intricate detail. These images become so unique and captivating, that they are later sold in auctions, raising funds for the catadores.

Landfill is more than just a depiction of the life of the catadores and Muniz's artistic process. The film confronts the issues of trash, pollution, and environmental degradation. It shows the negative effects that mass production and over-consumption have on the environment and the people who live near the landfills. Through interviews and footage, the movie presents the reality of the landfill as a bleak and devastating place, where waste piles up to dangerous levels and where people and animals are exposed to toxic chemicals and diseases.

The movie raises awareness of the impact of excessive resource exploitation and encourages viewers to think about their actions and choices. It reminds them that what ends up in the landfill can have far-reaching implications for the environment and the people who live nearby. In one of the most powerful scenes of the movie, a journalist explains that we cannot continue producing and consuming more and more goods without thinking of the consequences. Jardim Gramacho, he says, is a symbol of global consumerism and waste, and it is time to address such a pressing issue.

Overall, Landfill is an impactful and thought-provoking documentary. It conveys a strong message about the importance of reducing waste, reusing and recycling products, and promoting sustainable practices. The movie is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of creativity, and the need for positive change. It is an artistic and honest portrait of the people who make a living from collecting our waste and the global community that shares their planet. Through Muniz's art and the story of the catadores, it invites us to contemplate our role as global citizens and to think about our impact on the world.