Coffee Hero

Last week I had an opportunity to see a new documentary about food call Fresh.  This was a feature film at STIFF, which stands for the Seattle True Independent Film Festival. After the movie the filmmaker Ana Joanes was there to answer questions from the audience.   I was going to post this review on my personal site, but I thought it might be of interest to coffee fans for two reasons.

1. Although the movie doesn’t cover coffee, coffee is a crop.  Coffee is farmed and has its own story to tell with regards to being organic.
2. I’ve learned that fans of quality coffee tend to be fans of quality food as well.  Understanding the different methods of food production is something I believe quality coffee fans will find interesting.

In the title of this post, I made a reference to Michael Pollan’s book Omnivores Dilemma.  This movie is a great follow-up to to those that have read or haven’t got around to reading the book Omnivores Dilemma.  That book that will open your eyes to how food gets on your plate in this country.  The first 100 pages will shock and anger you.  It should be read by every American.  The second section of the book explores the solution and introduces us to organic farmer Joel Salatin.

The movie Fresh touches on the problem with mechicalized processed food, but then focuses on the solution, including an inspiring visit to Joel Salatin’s farm.  The movie also introduces us to an amazing urban farmer that loves teaching as much as farming.  When I was a little kid, I left the movie Star Wars eager to get into a space ship for battle.  I left this movie wanting to start my own farm or garden at the very least.

I may never grow coffee, but the money I save by growing my own organic tomatoes can be spent buying organic coffee.  

Sources:

Fresh The Movie – Offical web site.

STIFF 2009 – Seattles True Independent Film Festival

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals – Amazon page for book.

The Ominvore’s Dilemma – My review.

Tags: farming, organic