Garbage Warrior
Radical architect Michael Reynolds makes homes out of beer cans and mud; trouble follows.
Concordia University (Montreal)
Monday September 29, 2008
Screening begins 19h30
Venue: Room H-110, 1455 de maisonneuve
Oliver Hodge / UK / 2007 / 86 min
Screening Partner: Metropole Films Distribution.
GARBAGE WARRIOR will be preceded by the short film STILL LIVES (Anna Sarkissian / Canada / 2007 / 12 min), and experimental documentary that points a lens at the rebuilding of New Orleans. For more info visit the film's official site.
SYNOPSIS - GARBAGE WARRIOR: What do beer cans, car tires and water bottles have in common? Not much unless you're renegade architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they are tools of choice for producing thermal mass and energy-independent housing. For 30 years New Mexico-based Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony.
However, these experimental structures that defy state standards create conflict between Reynolds and the authorities, who are backed by big business. Frustrated by antiquated legislation, Reynolds lobbies for the right to create a sustainable living test site. While politicians hum and ha, Mother Nature strikes, leaving communities devastated by tsunamis and hurricanes. Reynolds and his crew seize the opportunity to lend their pioneering skills to those who need it most. Shot over three years and in four countries, Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century.
Earthship n. 1. passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials 2. thermal mass construction for temperature stabilization. 3. renewable energy & integrated water systems make the Earthship an off-grid home with little to no utility bills.
Biotecture n. 1. the profession of designing buildings and environments with consideration for their sustainability. 2. A combination of biology and architecture.
Executive Producer for ITVS
Sally Jo Fifer
Executive Producer for Sundance Channel
Lynne Kirby
Supervising Producer for Sundance Channel
Ann Rose
Executive Producer for TV2
Mette Hoffman Meyer
Executive Producer for Open Eye Media
Oliver Hodge
Editor
Phil Reynolds
Producer
Rachel Wexler
Filmed and Directed by
Oliver Hodge
The ITVS International Media Development Fund
is made possible by
The Ford Foundation
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
This program was produced by Open Eye Media Ltd
