In an effort to balance out the fashion with a bit more culture {expect more of this}, I wanted to introduce Waste Land, a film directed by Lucy Walker. It's a documentary that highlights the catadores {human scavengers}, that rummage through the Jardim Gramacho in Rio — the largest landfill in the world. The film spans three years and follows several individuals, that you'll be inspired by. Many of these catadores live in the favelas in Rio, and are paid a commission for their finds. The film also documents Brooklyn-based Brasilian artist Vik Muniz’s project of creating over-sized portraits of the catadores out of the recyclables that they spend their days collecting. It explores what happens there, but more importantly it reveals Brasil’s poverty without the Cidade De Deus {City of God} flair, which to me is the most important aspect. I can only hope people who see this film are inspired beyond what they've heard, or hear about Brasil and povery, because there is plenty to chew on. I had the pleasure of seeing this film last Friday when it opened at the Angelika Film Center in NYC. As a Brasilian it brought tears to me eyes. Finally, there is a film that I believe speaks what I know to be true about millions of Brasilians — that beyond the fantasy they are resilient and beautiful, despite their socio-economic status. And that art has the power to transform an entire nation.
Visit here for a list of screenings. Do let me know if you've seen it, or will.
Fotos Courtesy of Vik Muniz/Waste Land Movie
