ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Stéphanie Boulard explores a documentary film from 2000 that delves into issues such as food poverty, hunger, food wastage, ecology, art, and autobiography. Agnès Varda’s The Gleaner’s and I investigates the concept of gleaning in France and its various forms, including human trash-picking and art built on recycled materials, revealing the vast amounts of food wasted in France and its impact on food poverty. While this chapter highlights the value of gleaning in reducing food loss and waste and ensuring food security, it also analyzes the film’s socio-environmental commentary on postmodern consumerism and explores themes of compassion, fragility, and marginalization. The film challenges traditional beauty standards by showcasing subjects that are typically excluded from mainstream media, such as elderly individuals, homeless people, and those who do not conform to societal norms of beauty. Additionally, Varda’s film not only provokes reflection on the portrayal of women in history (SDG 5) but also offers insights on the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice (SDG 16). The Gleaners and I aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Quality Education (SDG 4), emphasizing the need for greater social and economic equality and environmental sustainability. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of individual action in promoting positive change and fostering a more equitable and sustainable world.
