An in-depth look at the world of coffee and global trade.An in-depth look at the world of coffee and global trade.An in-depth look at the world of coffee and global trade.
- Directors
- Writer
- Awards
- 2 wins & 4 nominations
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaTook three years to make.
Featured review
Pennies on the dollar.
I watched this film tonight in an advance screening at Georgia Tech. The documentary follows a cooperative in Oromia, Ethiopia and its attempts to gain a better price for its farmers. Contrasting the rich urban life of the consumer with the impoverished rural life of the producer, the truth is staggering: The premium price paid by consumers at the counter goes almost entirely to corporations and only pennies on the dollar to the farmer. The farmers don't seek luxuries or to extort consumers, only to be paid and treated fairly and equitably, to dull the edge on their harsh lifestyle. The larger plight of Africans is broached as is world trade of Third World exports. It was extremely refreshing that there was no attempt to preach nor use emotional tricks as are found in many large release documentaries, instead allowing the facts to speak for themselves. This dryness adds both to its authenticity and its credibility.
Unfortunately, no film is perfect. The filmmakers criticize Starbucks for not purchasing Ethiopian fair trade coffee without the context that the company is one of the few purchasers of fair trade coffee from Central and South America. While their actions can improve, they are significantly ahead of other companies with whom they compete. Also, the film displays too many scenes without the context required: "What are we seeing?" The story is an important one but more depth could have been given and a larger spotlight shone on the participants. Even with these flaws, it is a very worthwhile documentary and may give people their first glimpses into the world outside their borders.
7 out of 10: Truth is vicious when you are guarded by lies.
Unfortunately, no film is perfect. The filmmakers criticize Starbucks for not purchasing Ethiopian fair trade coffee without the context that the company is one of the few purchasers of fair trade coffee from Central and South America. While their actions can improve, they are significantly ahead of other companies with whom they compete. Also, the film displays too many scenes without the context required: "What are we seeing?" The story is an important one but more depth could have been given and a larger spotlight shone on the participants. Even with these flaws, it is a very worthwhile documentary and may give people their first glimpses into the world outside their borders.
7 out of 10: Truth is vicious when you are guarded by lies.
helpful•10
- brlancer
- Nov 6, 2006
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Čierne zlato
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $93,477
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $6,764
- Oct 8, 2006
- Gross worldwide
- $227,105
- Runtime1 hour 18 minutes
- Color
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