The Empire of Red Gold

The Empire of Red Gold is a groundbreaking documentary that delves into the world of an often overlooked yet exceedingly global commodity—tomatoes. This engrossing film dives deep into the multi-billion-dollar industry, its intricate network of production and distribution, and the broader socio-economic and environmental issues it sparks.

Directed by Xavier Deleu and Yani Sanchez in 2017, The Empire of Red Gold takes audiences on a transcontinental journey, starting from the birthplace of tomatoes in the Andes, spreading across the vast plantations of California and China, and through the immense factories of Northern Italy. The reach, complexity, and scale of the industry are astounding, and viewers are given an in-depth look at the fascinating architecture of the modern food industry.

This documentary elevates the humble tomato to a star protagonist. The filmmakers delve into its historical and cultural significance, from its origins to its status today as a fundamental ingredient in countless world cuisines. Aside from being an edible fruit, the film reveals that the tomato is a strategic commodity, traded by powerful multinationals, and a source of conflict and international pressure.

The Empire of Red Gold unravels the journey of the ordinary tomato—from farm to plate—and finds within it a microcosm indicative of our globalized world. The film provides an intensive examination of the processing of tomatoes and their transformation into various products, from canned goods to ketchup and pizza sauce. The firsthand footage from the tomato factories and fields is a powerful tool for revealing the realities of a rapidly globalizing industry and the implications of mass food production.

The filmmakers also introduce us to a diverse cast of characters whose lives are inherently tied to this ubiquitous red fruit. Among them are farmers, agronomists, political advocates, and workers who contribute to a business that few people consider, nevertheless one that they engage with almost constantly. These individuals give the film a human touch, reminding viewers that behind every can of tomato, there are countless hands and countless stories.

More significantly, the film does not shy away from discussions of controversial practice and ethical complexities. By highlighting the severe conditions faced by both migrant and domestic workers in the field, the documentary shines a light on labor issues that often lurk in the shadows. It further explores the environmental impact of the industry: from the vast amount of water used in the cultivation process to the assertion that almost a quarter of tomatoes are wasted each year.

The Empire of Red Gold is a documentary that achieves the delicate balance between educational and entertaining. The pacing is sprightly and manages to sustain the audience's attention without sacrificing depth and detail. The cinematography is stunning, incorporating drone footage, close-up shots, and sweeping panoramas that portray the inherent beauty and harsh realities of the tomato empire and its intricate processes.

A compelling narrative thread runs through the whole film, drawing parallels between the pursuit of profit and the societal and environmental price paid in producing this red gold. The choice to focus on something as everyday as a tomato lends a relatability and accessibility to these complex themes. To see these issues in the context of an item found in kitchens and supermarkets worldwide makes their relevance unmistakeable.

In conclusion, The Empire of Red Gold goes beyond the realms of an ordinary industrial expose. It’s an enlightening investigation into the labyrinthine tomato industry, a thought-provoking social commentary, and a wake-up call about the hidden costs of our global food system. This documentary will forever change how viewers perceive and appreciate the humble, yet indispensable tomato. The Empire of Red Gold may be about an unassuming fruit, but it proves to be a weighty and significant exploration of globalization, ethics and the true cost of our conveniences and culinary comforts.