Release Date: January 6, 2010 (NY)
Studio: Wynne Films
Director: Mai Iskander
Garbage Dreams follows three teenage boys born into the trash trade and growing up in the world’s largest garbage village, a Coptic Christian community on the outskirts of Cairo. It is the home to 60,000 Zaballeen – Arabic for “garbage people.” Far ahead of any modern “Green” initiatives, the Zaballeen survive by recycling 80 percent of the garbage they collect. When their community is suddenly faced with the globalization of its trade, each of the teenage boys is forced to make choices that will impact his future and the survival of his community. Filmed over four years, GARBAGE DREAMS reveals a little-known, resourceful and resilient subculture at the moment when its very way of life is threatened. Shortly after viewing the film, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced a donation of $1 million to support the work of The Spirit of Youth Association, an organization whose work is highlighted in the documentary.
Popularity: 7% [?]
