The opening images are of the Serra Pelada goldmines in Brazil.
The shot of the truck driving past the Indian boy as he walks along the road is the only staged shot in the film.
Godfrey Reggio was uncomfortable using the latest film-making technology considering that his theme was back-to-basics living. However, he countered this by realizing that technology is unavoidably ingrained into our way of life.
As this film is more international in flavor than its predecessor, "Koyaanisqatsi", the music by Philip Glass reflects this and draws its themes from other cultures.
This time, Philip Glass actually accompanied Reggio when he went scouting for locations throughout the Third World. Hence his screen credit as a dramaturgical consultant, ie, he was preparing music for the film while it was being shot, not exclusively afterwards.