Landfill Harmonic tells the story of some poor children who live on a garbage dump in Catuera, Paraguay. One day, a worker named Nicolas found an old violin, and he used it to make a pattern for creating more instruments. Others followed, with an oilcan becoming the basis of a cello, and spoons and buttons forming the keys on saxophones and other instruments.

Soon a musical group composed of children who play instruments made entirely out of trash was formed. When he heard about Nicolas’ work, Maestro Luis Szaran, director of “Sounds of the Earth,” was inspired by the garbage picker’s initiative and creativity, and he formed a “recycled orchestra” with children living at the dump.

The film Landfill Harmonic follows the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura and how their story went viral, catapulting them into the global spotlight. Under the guidance of idealistic music director Favio Chavez, the orchestra members find they must navigate a strange new world of arenas and sold-out concerts. The film is a testament to the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

Landfill Harmonic has been invited to participate at 130 festivals around the world, and the group has been honored with dozens of awards. Until recently, the documentary could be seen only at film festivals, and in August, it was released for viewing in theaters. Offering Landfill Harmonic free of charge is made possible courtesy of The Commons and a generous donation provided by Columbus citizen and music lover Lisa Westmark.

Cost: FREE

For more information contact:

Marilyn Brackney
(812) 376-2539
[email protected]