THE SALT OF THE EARTH

"Hauntingly beautiful images … an utterly absorbing portrait." – Screen

Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado spent much of his life travelling around the world, capturing human life in environments beautiful and harrowing alike. Some of the hardship he saw, however, proved too discouraging, with the much-admired artist eventually retreating into wildlife photography.

The Salt of the Earth offers a wide-ranging profile of the ageing photographer, taking in his latest project: an attempt to record the natural beauty of the wildlife in his homeland. Co-directed by Wim Wenders (Buena Vista Social Club, MIFF 1999; Wings of Desire, MIFF 1987) and Salgado's son Juliano – who provides some incredible archival footage of his father at work – this documentary is a deeply human reflection on disillusionment and the artistic process.

Winner of the Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.