Black Gold

Black Gold is a documentary film released in 2006. This film is directed by Marc and Nick Francis and tells the story of the global coffee trade and the challenges faced by Ethiopian coffee farmers in receiving a fair price for their coffee.

The main character of the film is Tadesse Meskela, who is the general manager of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union in Ethiopia. Meskela represents over 70,000 coffee farmers who struggle to make a living from their coffee plantations in Ethiopia, which is considered to be the birthplace of coffee.

The film starts by showing the beautiful landscapes of Ethiopia and its coffee plantations. It then moves on to the story of the farmers, who have to sell their coffee at a low price due to the power balance in the coffee industry. While the coffee industry generates billions of dollars for the global economy, most coffee farmers live in poverty. In addition, they often face barriers to accessing the international market, and the prices they receive for their coffee are determined by powerful middlemen who take advantage of their lack of negotiating power.

Meskela is passionate about changing this situation and tries to find new buyers for their coffee beans through fair trade. He travels abroad to meet with potential buyers and make connections with coffee roasters. He is also convinced that by investing in the farmer's education and infrastructure, they can create better coffee, better prices, and a better future for everyone involved in the coffee industry.

Throughout the film, we see both the challenges and successes of Meskela's efforts. We see the impact of globalization on the coffee industry, but we also see the difference that one man can make by standing up for the rights of coffee farmers.

Black Gold is a well-crafted documentary that provides a unique and in-depth look into the coffee industry. The film showcases the dedication and perseverance of Tadesse Meskela, who is fighting for a fairer and more sustainable coffee trade. It is a thought-provoking film that will leave the viewer with a better understanding of the challenges faced by coffee farmers around the world, as well as the importance of fair trade and ethical sourcing in the coffee industry.

Overall, Black Gold is an eye-opening and informative film that sheds light on the social and economic conditions of coffee growers in Ethiopia. Through its powerful storytelling and beautiful imagery, the film inspires viewers to support fair trade and help create a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.