The Chocolate Farmer

The Chocolate Farmer, a lyrical and eye-opening non-fiction film directed by Rohan Fernando, revolves around the life of Eladio Pop, an indigenous Mayan father in Belize who happens to be a chocolate farmer (hence the title). This film, released in 2011, is a vivid and insightful exploration of the rapidly shifting social dynamics that impact the world and the farming community - all with the bucolic backdrop of the tropical Belizean coast and the everyday harvest of cacao.

The vivid imagery of Eladio Pop's family farm, the hard work it takes to maintain it, and the crunch of cacao pods against machetes provide a rich backdrop to this thoughtful and contemplative film. Fernando's documentary tells the story of Pop, who, despite the mounting pressures of modernity and big agriculture, continues to steward the traditional Mayan farming methods passed down through generations in his family.

The film is not just a portrayal of a quintessential struggle of a traditional farming family set against the backdrop of industrialization and capitalism, but also a profound reflection on relationships – of a father with his children, of a man with the land he tills, and of a community with its heritage and traditions.

One of the main storylines of the film is Eladio's desire to impart his knowledge of farming and the values that go with it to his children. However, his children, particularly his eldest daughter Feliciana, have been seduced by the allure of contemporary society, which leads to a generational clash over values and lifestyles. This generational conflict paints a nuanced and authentic portrait of familial love, tradition, and the irresistible lure of modern conveniences.

As an environmental advocate, Eladio has profound apprehensions about the influence of mass-market chocolate corporations that are gradually devouring smaller farms. He reflects on how these corporations have begun to devalue the fine cacao beans, which are the product of generations of careful cultivation, reducing them to the level of cheap commodity crops. Eladio is in a battle to protect the cacao growing tradition, but it is clear that the looming threats of agribusiness and the tensions within his family are testing his resolve.

The Chocolate Farmer is a film that draws the viewer into the small, intimate world of Eladio Pop’s farm and his family, showing each victory, setback, and moment of joy or despair. Despite his firm belief in his way of life, there is no escaping the encroaching realities of climate change, the economic forces that favor mass production, and the allure of 21st-century consumer culture, factors that could render his traditional farming methods obsolete.

Audiences cannot help but be drawn to the indefatigably spirited Eladio Pop. His strength, wisdom, sense of humor, and pure love for his land make him a magnetic character.

This documentary does not aim to present a sweeping exposé on the global politics of chocolate production, but rather paints a portrait of the lived experience of one man and his family in a changing world. It offers a perspective from the field, straight from the farmer, a rarely-heard perspective with potent insights into the impact of global capitalism on local livelihoods.

The Chocolate Farmer boasts a lush and vibrant cinematography, a visual feast reflecting the verdant cacao groves and the rich Belizean landscape – from the cerulean blue of the Caribbean sea to the deep emerald hues of the rainforest. Coupled with the rhythmic soundtrack compiling both native music and ambient sounds of nature, it brings the audience directly into the homely discomforts and natural beauty of the Pop family’s farming life.

In summary, the Chocolate Farmer not just informs but also inspires. It is a celebration of a life in sync with nature, of a culture deeply rooted in tradition, and of a man whose knowledge, passed down for generations, resonates more now than ever in an era defined by environmental crisis and rampant globalization. In so doing, it leaves audiences with a newfound respect for the humble chocolate bar and those whose hands help to create it.