Watch The Chocolate Farmer

The Chocolate Farmer is a 2011 documentary film that follows the journey of Eladio Pop, a Guatemalan farmer determined to create a better life for himself and his family by producing high-quality chocolate. The film opens with footage of Eladio walking along the lush Guatemalan countryside, discussing his life as a farmer and the challenges he has faced. As the film progresses, we dive deeper into his story and learn that Eladio comes from a long line of farmers who have been working the land for generations. However, due to the ever-changing landscape of the chocolate industry, Eladio's family has struggled to make ends meet.

Despite these challenges, Eladio is optimistic about the future and has a unique vision for his farm. He decides to make the leap and transition from traditional farming methods to organic and bio-dynamic practices, which require a significant amount of hard work and dedication. Along the way, we meet Eladio's family, who share their own perspectives on his endeavors.

The film does an excellent job of highlighting the stark contrast between the traditional farming techniques used by Eladio's grandfather and the modern methods used by contemporary chocolate farmers. We see Eladio implement new techniques such as planting companion crops to preserve soil health and using natural pest deterrents to reduce the need for harmful chemicals.

As Eladio's farm begins to thrive, we see the positive impact that his sustainable practices have on the local community. By growing his cocoa beans organically and paying workers a fair wage, he is able to produce high-quality chocolate that is both delicious and ethically responsible.

Throughout the film, we also learn about the challenges that small-scale farmers like Eladio face when it comes to breaking into the global chocolate market. Large corporations dominate the industry and have a stranglehold on cocoa prices, which makes it difficult for small-scale farmers to make a profit.

Despite these challenges, Eladio remains committed to his vision and even travels to the United States to showcase his chocolate at a trade show. Through his hard work and dedication, Eladio proves that small-scale farmers can make a difference in the world and create a better future for themselves and their communities.

Overall, The Chocolate Farmer is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of small-scale cocoa farmers in Guatemala. Through Eladio's journey, we see the power of sustainable farming practices and the importance of supporting local communities. Whether you're a chocolate lover or simply interested in the future of sustainable farming, The Chocolate Farmer is a must-watch film.

The Chocolate Farmer is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.