Inspired to act after watching Black Gold? (film review here). This post’s part of a series for people who’ve seen (or want to see) the film and want to act. [Part V is here]
Sometimes I think that the real fair trade concerned companies’ll be separated from the greenwashers baed on the companies’ response to Black Gold.
After all, the support for the film hasn’t been divided along fair trade certification lines. Groundwork Coffee in LA — which’s never had fair trade certification, is totally behind it.
Just Coffee, which left the fair trade certification roster a few years ago, worked to bring Black Gold to Madison.
Equal Exchange, a fair trade certified company, actually bought out an entire theater showing in NYC and invited people who could work to make a big difference.
I guess this coalition of coffee companies shows that Black Gold is doing what the filmmakers said the fim was supposed to do — provoke people to ask questions. “The label is an excellent beginning,” they said, but not the end all. “You’ve got to be an active consumer.”
The issue is bigger than the label. Said Nick: “The whole continent [Africa] is being bankrupted by the fact that they’re not paid a fair price for the riches they have.”
So go see the film with friends! If you’re in NYC, Seattle, or Bellevue, the film’s already out in your theaters. And now, if you’re in:
Portland, Oregon: Get to the NW Film Center Amnesty International Festival on Oct. 12.
Chicago: The film’ll be at the Gene Siskel Theater from Oct. 13 on. Get there early!
Washington DC: Be at the Green Festival from Oct. 14-16 to see the fim.
Nashville, Tenn.: Black Gold’ll be at Belcourt from Oct. 15 - 17 :)
Madison, Wisconsin: The Orpheum‘ll be hosting the film from Oct. 16-17, courtesy of Just Coffee and others.
It was alot of work to promote Black Gold in NYC, but was worth it. I’d encourage others in the movement to do likewise in their communities. Ideally you can work with the theatre operator to have a discussion/Q&A afterwards, as many movie-goers will still be wondering “what now?” after the credits roll.
We (EE & the NY Fair Trade Coalition) did this for 2 screenings in NYC and the audience seemed really engaged (ie no one left, lots of people asked questions & made comments).
I’d also encourage you to have available a list of where people can buy FT products in your town. For ex, volunteers could hand these lists to folks as they leave the theatre.
Note: the film tackles more than just FT-related issues, and FT is just one of many things that need to happen to tackle the situation revealed in Black Gold. BUT it may be the one tangible response that is most available for audience to act on.
Comment by Rodney North — October 11, 2006 @ 12:46 pm
The promotional events that have taken place and will take place later this month are wonderful examples of how many different members of the Fair Trade movement can work together. One person who should be recognized is Al Liu of Alterra Coffee Roasters in Milwaukee WI. Back in June when Al and I were discussing ideas for Fair Trade Month, his company’s sponsorship of the Milwaukee Intl. Film Festival came up. Alterra has sponsored the event over the years and has a close relationship with the organizers. Al mentioned that Black Gold was being considerd as an official selection, and, the festival was hoping to host Tedesse for the screenings.
Several emails and a few conference calls later, a group of individuals came together to contribute their part to what hopes to be the Black Gold phenomenon. Here we are in October and the film is opening up all over the country. The buzz is building and judging from some initial sold-out opening weekends this film should be a hit (very important for all of you to see the film on opening weekend!) This all couldn’t have happened without the tremendous efforts of California Newsreel, International Film Circuit, Oxfam America, Just Coffee, Equal Exchange, Green Fest, NY Fair Trade Coalition, Bioneers, Thanksgiving Coffee, and many others who I’m probably forgetting but well deserve a shout out. I’d like to give a special mention to Jean Walsh and Elisa Baier of TransFair USA for working with many of the people I mentioned above to help make Tedesse’s tour a reality.
I’ve only contributed a drop into the bucket of this effort but it has been a great experience watching the momentum build. Though we have some differences of opinion on Fair Trade, it is awesome to know that we’ve worked together to promote something much bigger than all of us.
Demian Luper
Coffee Account Manager
TransFair USA
dluper@transfairusa.org
p.s. A big round of applause for Siel’s Taking Action after Black Gold series–demonstrating that making a difference is so much more than just seeing the movie.
Comment by Demian Luper — October 11, 2006 @ 2:37 pm
Thanks Demian :) And Rodney — Having a list of fair trade coffee shops avaliable’s a really good idea. For those who do make such lists — I’d like to suggest NOT including every single Starbucks in your town on the list — Perhaps just a lil note at the bottom saying Starbucks sez it’ll French-press its one blend of fair trade coffee on demand is enough. We need to give credit to the businesses that’re really committed to fair trade practices –
Comment by Siel — October 13, 2006 @ 7:17 pm
Just Coffee didn’t leave the fair trade certification roster, it just left Trans Fair. It is now certified fair trade by MOSA.
Comment by kev — October 19, 2006 @ 2:23 pm
That link for MOSA doesn’t work –
Comment by Siel — October 20, 2006 @ 11:46 pm
Hey:
Well Heavy Kev, we actually did leave FT certification because TFUSA, as the FLO representative in the US, owns that particular combination of words here in this country. However, our FT practices are audited and verified by MOSA.
With a strange bit of synchronicity, the MOSA inspector actually just left 5 minutes ago with a positively glowing report!
Thanks to all who helped out with Black Gold, especially EE, Oxfam USA, and TFUSA!
-matt
Comment by mateotemprano — October 31, 2006 @ 8:39 am
Hi All,
Great thread! and great website. Cheers to JC for being certified by MOSA!
Personally - I think Fair Trade as is will never be enough to level the playing field. What is needed is real relationships of solidarity with fair trade producers and fair trade roasters that help identify further acts beyond just buying fair trade certified coffee that can help bring about real lasting change in coffee producing communities. Check out our Oromia Photo Project - http://www.highergroundstrading.com/oromia-photo-project.html- for those of you who haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit with growers - there you will see a people quite proud but lacking in many necessities. We are doing the project to raise funds for a school - which was discussed in Black Gold - with OCFCU. So far we’ve raised a bunch!
Comment by Cristobal — November 2, 2006 @ 5:25 am