Garbage Warrior

Maverick architect Michael Reynolds and his crew of renegade house builders from New Mexico fight to introduce radically different ways of living.

Film Signature Image
Premiere Date
April 1, 2008
Length
90 minutes
Funding Initiative
International
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2007 Vancouver International Film Festival-People’s Choice Award for Best Non Fiction Feature Film
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2007 Vancouver International Film Festival-Honorable Mention
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2008 International Documentary Association (IDA)-Pare Lorentz Award - Honorable Mention
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2008 4 Screens European Film Festival-Gold Screen Award
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2008 The Grierson Trust-Special Commendation Award
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    Director

    Oliver Hodge

    Oliver Hodge studied industrial design at the prestigious Central St. Martins School of Art in London, and from there moved into design for the film industry. He has worked on 20 major feature films heading props departments and supervising special effects projects. This has involved him working intimately with the films's directors, including George… Show more Lucas, Tim Burton, Danny Cannon, Danny Boyle, Tim Burton, and Simon West. His movie credits include among others: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tomb Raider 1 & 2, Die Another Day, Sleepy Hollow, and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Show less

    Producer

    Rachel Wexler

    Rachel Wexler has been working in documentary for 17 years. She specializes in producing international documentary projects for a worldwide audience. She has worked on 10 films for BBC Storyville (including two in production) and has produced films for many award winning filmmakers including Phil Grabsky (The Boy Who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan, In Search of Mozart),… Show more Marc Isaacs (Philip and His Seven Wives), Oliver Hodge (Garbage Warrior), and Luke Holland (A Very English Village, More Than a Life). Rachel runs Bungalow Town Productions with her partner Jez Lewis. Show less

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    The Film

    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 hem and haw, 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.

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