“The world sends us garbage,
we send back music”
– Favio Chavez
“Having nothing is not
an excuse for doing nothing”
– Favio Chavez
Film Synopsis
Landfill Harmonic follows the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a Paraguayan musical group that plays instruments made entirely out of garbage pieces found in the landfill where their community is settled.
When their story goes viral, the orchestra is catapulted into the global spotlight. Under the guidance of idealistic music director Favio Chavez, the orchestra must navigate a strange new world of arenas and sold-out concerts.
However, when a natural disaster strikes their community, Favio must find a way to keep the orchestra intact and provide a source of hope for their town. The film is a testimony to the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.
Press Quotes
“An inspiring tale — if it were fiction you’d dismiss it as unbelievable ”
The New York Times
“An unlikely breakthrough story whose happy endings come with asterisks”
The Hollywood Reporter
“[A] testament to spirited determination.”
LA Times
“Like recycled garbage used to create symphonic-quality musical instruments, Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley Landfill Harmonic is a secret treasure”