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🎻intro to humanities review

The Gleaners and I

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Gleaners and I is a 2000 documentary film by Agnès Varda that explores the practice of gleaning, which involves collecting leftover crops from fields after harvest. This film is significant as it combines personal reflection with social commentary, illustrating the lives of modern-day gleaners while connecting it to themes of poverty, resourcefulness, and the human condition. Varda’s unique style blends visual storytelling with philosophical musings, making it a poignant example of contemporary documentary filmmaking.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Gleaners and I was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, highlighting its critical acclaim.
  2. Varda uses a mix of interviews and observational footage to provide insight into the lives of gleaners, showing their resilience and creativity.
  3. The film draws connections between the act of gleaning in both historical and contemporary contexts, emphasizing its cultural significance.
  4. Varda's use of self-reflection throughout the film allows viewers to connect her personal experiences with the broader themes of resourcefulness and social justice.
  5. The Gleaners and I has inspired discussions on sustainability and food waste, as it sheds light on the importance of utilizing resources that would otherwise be discarded.

Review Questions

  • How does Agnès Varda incorporate her personal narrative into The Gleaners and I to enhance its documentary storytelling?
    • Agnès Varda weaves her personal narrative throughout The Gleaners and I by sharing her thoughts, experiences, and reflections as she engages with the gleaners. This approach adds a layer of intimacy to the documentary, allowing viewers to see her connection to the subject matter. Her presence in the film not only serves as a guiding voice but also blurs the lines between observer and participant, making the exploration of gleaning more relatable and emotionally resonant.
  • Discuss how The Gleaners and I reflects social issues related to poverty and resourcefulness in contemporary society.
    • The Gleaners and I addresses social issues such as poverty and resourcefulness by showcasing individuals who rely on gleaning as a means of survival. Varda portrays these gleaners with dignity, emphasizing their resourcefulness in navigating economic hardships. By documenting their daily lives and struggles, the film highlights broader societal themes about wastefulness, food insecurity, and the importance of community support in addressing these challenges.
  • Evaluate the impact of The Gleaners and I on public awareness regarding sustainability and food waste practices.
    • The Gleaners and I has significantly influenced public awareness about sustainability and food waste by bringing attention to the practice of gleaning as a viable solution to reduce waste in agriculture. Varda's engaging storytelling encourages viewers to rethink their consumption habits and consider the societal implications of discarding food that is still usable. As a result, the film not only sparks conversations about food ethics but also inspires action towards more sustainable practices within communities.