Landfill Harmonic might be the first foreign documentary I have ever watched and I have decided that it most likely will not be the last. A truly inspiring film that has the ability to make you feel just about every emotion all wrapped up in only a short 1 hour and 25 minutes, Landfill Harmonic is a perfect watch for anyone and all ages.
Landfill Harmonic is a story about the Recycled Orchestra. Kids living in a slum built on a landfill in Paraguay create an orchestra with the help of their music teacher. The most amazing part about all of this you might be wondering? It’s definitely the fact that the instruments they use are completely made out of trash that comes from the landfill. This film follows the lives of the music teacher, the children in the orchestra, and even the man who picks the garbage that is used to create the instruments. Their story begins to be recognized and heard worldwide which sparks a tour around the world where the get to play with a couple of very well known rock bands along the way.
Starting off with the aspects of this film that are done well, portraying the environment. This film does a great job at showcasing the poverty and pollution in this region of Paraguay. The amount of filth that the landfill creates is incredible and in this movie it is very evident. I think living here in the United States we sometimes forget that there are real people living in real places that do not have all of the luxuries we do. Which brings me to my next point, the people. The kids in this film are proud of where they come from. Throughout the movie we learn a little about some of their backstories and it gives you the emotional attachment to a person like a good film should always do. Going on this journey with them you want to see them succeed and achieve their dreams. You watch them start as a young group of kids who are not the greatest at playing instruments and by the end they have blossomed into mature young adults who can perform exceptionally well.
Other than a few problems regarding a bit of choppy editing and one particular storyline that was left hanging, Landfill Harmonic is an enjoyable film that can be watched with the family and it sheds light on the poverty, pollution, and perseverance of the people living in Paraguay who travel the world spreading music with makeshift instruments.
-Lauren Hanson
Landfill Harmonic Theatrical Trailer English from Landfill Harmonic on Vimeo.