The Gleaners and I | The Gleaners and I: Two Years Later

One of the defining documentaries of the past 20 years, The Gleaners and I set a template for the rest of Varda’s career. The beguiling essay film follows the director through France as she investigates the world of “glaneurs”—those who survive by gathering the food left behind by farmers after harvest. Addressing issues of poverty, thrift, art, and the curious place of scavenging in French history and culture, The Gleaners and I is a perfect realization of the way Varda “mov[ed] through the world with the tools of her trade, finding what is worth treasuring” (Roger Ebert). (82 mins., DCP)

The Gleaners and I: Two Years Later finds Varda revisiting some of the subjects from her landmark documentary as well as seeking out fans who had sent her letters about the film. She also ruminates on the decision to insert herself into Gleaners, offering insights into her creative process. (62 mins., DCP)

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