Wasteland

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       Where do I even begin with this film? Rarely does a cinematic work, let alone a documentary,  move me in such a way that I almost feel compelled to help those less fortunate than I. Never has the term diamond in the rough, resonated with me more clearly than after watching this. Vik Muniz delves deep into the human condition during his endeavor across a poverty stricken landfill community of his native Brazil. Jardim Gramacho, Brazil, just outside of Rio De Janeiro, is home to the world’s largest garbage landfill and a struggling contingent of people working the endless waste fields. The catadores, as they’re called, tirelessly toil in the harsh conditions of Jardim Gramacho just to barely maintain an impoverished existence. I was introduced to 6 very complex human beings in the garbage pickers that Muniz selected to photograph for his exhibit. When he first ventured to the landfill, Muniz was anticipating to see a group of people defeated by the system in which they’re marginalized. Rather, their humanity and exuberance amidst the deplorable working and living conditions brought to light an entirely new perspective on the indomitable will of the human spirit. All 6 lives were changed forever, 7 if you’re counting Muniz. Conclusively, art was just the vehicle used to transcend their lives into something more than just garbage picking. It unified their struggle, brought awareness to their blight, and propelled their community into a new, more meaningful chapter of life.

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