The Coffee Man

The Coffee Man is a 2016 inspiring and gripping documentary film that follows the journey and aspirations of Sasa Sestic, an Australian Barista and coffee aficionado, as he endures trials, labors, and impassioned endeavors to clinch the top spot in the 2015 World Barista Championship. Directed by Jeff Hann, the film co-stars Sam Corra and Roland Fraval.

Sasa Sestic, a coffee enthusiast and former Olympian, represents a much deeper premise than merely being an award-winning barista. He is a man committed to his passion, pursuing excellence and delivering the quintessential coffee experience to his customers. To Sasa, coffee-making isn't just a profession. It's an art and a way of life. The sights, sounds, and smells of the coffee industry, from the aromatic warmth of an intimate café to the vast expanse of international plantations, are perfectly embodied in this intrepid tale.

The Coffee Man commences by introducing us to Sasa, his passion for coffee, and the humble beginnings of his café. From there, the film takes audiences on a captivating sojourn as Sasa pushes boundaries in search of the ideal coffee cup. It is a relentless quest, leading him from his home in Canberra, Australia, to distant and exotic locations like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Honduras.

These international escapades provide an enriching overview of the global coffee industry, warming the screen with awe-inspiring terrains, trendsetting coffee cultures, and the hardworking farmers toiling away on lush coffee plantations. It provides a remarkable testament to the vast journey a single coffee bean takes, soaring thousands of miles and undergoing meticulous transformations before culminating in that perfect cup of coffee.

Sasa's journey is not just about exploring the nuances of good coffee but also spotlights the importance of sustainable and ethical farming and sourcing. He ensures a fair and mutually profitable relationship with the farmers and cultivators cultivating his coffee beans, thus emphasizing social responsibility while maintaining the quality of the produce.

Director Jeff Hann finds a balanced and cogent narrative in the intertwining themes of passion, sacrifice, and sustainability. His direction draws us into the alluring world of coffee-making, embellishing it with engrossing spice notes of competition, camaraderie, and pursuit of excellence. Shots of bubbling espressos, coffee beans tumbling into roasters, and quietly intense baristas create a sensorially impactful atmosphere, making it engaging for coffee lovers and non-drinkers alike.

While the pursuit of the perfect coffee brew forms the heart of the film, it is Sasa's participation in the World Barista Championship that forms its spine. Despite coffee being an everyday commodity, the intricacies, precision, and skill demanded in these competitions evoke the gravitas of any high-stakes international event. The competitions are depicted in a realistic, almost thrilling manner, with Sasa's unwavering determination, relentless training, and innovative techniques amplified, making the narrative increasingly engaging.

Additionally, the film captures the essence of Sasa's personal life and his relationships with his family and friends. Viewers will gain glimpses into how a person’s obsession with their craft can affect personal relationships, and how Sasa struggles and endeavours to balance his life as a husband, father, businessman, and a contesting barista.

On the technical front, the cinematography is commendable, capturing the beauty and charm in every phase of coffee production -from the vivid, verdant coffee plantations to the tangible intimacy of local cafés. The story-telling is unwavering, striking a fine balance between Sasa's personal life, his business, and his pursuit of excellence in coffee.

The Coffee Man is more than just a story about coffee. It's a journey of passion, commitment, and unyielding ambition, beautifully summed up in the form of Sasa Sestic’s journey. Whether you are a humble at-home brewer, a seasoned barista or merely an enthusiast of heartfelt inspirational stories, this film has something to offer for everyone. It’s a film that truly runs as rich and deep as a well-brewed cup of coffee - an invigorating watch, with a stirring blend of passion and persistence with a generous dash of human spirit.