Director: Kum-Kum Bhavnani | USA | Doc | 2012 | 64 mins
Film source: filmmaker
Sponsors: Blue Bandana Chocolate Maker
Eric Lampman of Blue Bandana will introduce the film
Preceded at 6pm by chocolate tasting reception & cash bar by Blue Bandana
Deep in the rain forests of Grenada, anarchist chocolate-maker Mott Green operates an unusual chocolate factory that turns out delicious creations unknown to a world saturated with industrially produced cocoa. Solar power, employee shareholding and small-scale antique equipment turn out delicious chocolate in the hamlet of Hermitage, Grenada. Nothing like Chocolate, narrated by Susan Sarandon, tells the moving story of the relentless and headstrong Mott Green, founder of the Grenada Chocolate Company, as he pursued his unique vision to create the best chocolate in the world, from scratch. It exposes the practices and politics of how chocolate has moved worldwide from a sacred plant to corporate blasphemy. Governments around the world, beholden to multi-nationals, sell cocoa for export at the best possible price. Industrial chocolate dominates taste buds and the market. Threatened by boutique producers, such as Grenada Chocolate Company, mega-companies work hard to buy up these small artisans. From currency to candy, chocolate reflects a rich history saturated with sacred ritual, endorphin highs, hip anti-oxidants, exotic sensuality and high quality luxury. Nothing Like Chocolate adds new depth to the stories of chocolate.
Short playing with film: Makin’ Friends with Ryan Miller | Nova Kim and Les Hook | 10 mins | produced by Hilary Hess, Vermont PBS
Ryan Miller spends the day eating from the earth with professional wild crafters Nova Kim and Les Hook.