Review of Garbage Dreams (2009) by Chris V — 08 Jan 2010

Mai Iskander's directorial debut sheds light on a way of life, one that has prospered for over a century, that may soon be extinct. With Garbage Dreams, Iskander passionately documents the lives of three of Cairo's young Zaballeen (Arabic for garbage people) boys, who are coming of age in a culture that is gradually eroding from under their feet. She explores the unique paths that they follow in order to achieve their dreams as their trade, consisting of gathering and recycling garbage, is being globalized and modernized by foreign trash collecting corporations hired by the city of Cairo. The film immerses us into a world where garbage is greatly valued and treasured as a means of survival - a world much different than our own, and one that is now being threatened by Western ideals.

With a background in cinematography, Iskander shot the film with such unparalleled intimacy and care, that the the viewer establishes a bond not only with the Zaballeen, but with the village of Mokattam itself, where the boys live. The structure of the film and Iskander's directorial approach also strengthen the film's sharp focus. By straying away from the politicians and foreign collectors and keeping the spotlight solely on the Zaballeen, the viewer is able to really connect with the subjects and see their predicament from their distinct point of view, thus giving a voice to a people who have not had the chance to globally speak out for themselves, free of outside input and distraction.

By the film's end, we have grown to know these Zaballeen boys and are attached to them and their plight as much as Iskander, as her love and respect for the them shines through. Subsequently, Iskander has us reevaluate our own morals, priorities and notions of efficiency and at what cost it comes. Garbage Dreams is an important and socially relevant film that points the microscope on the overpriced concept of modernization and leaves us with the pressing question, "Is modernization always good?".