Reedwood Presents "Black Gold" movie FREE October 19, 2007

After seeing Black Gold coffee will never taste the same again.

Black Gold asks us “to wake up and smell the coffee,” to face the unjust conditions under which our favorite drink is produced and to decide what we can do about it. The film traces the tangled trail from the two billion cups of coffee consumed each day back to the coffee farmers who produce the beans. In particular, It follows Tadesse Meskela as he tries to get a living wage for the 70,000 Ethiopian coffee farmers he represents. In the process Black Gold provides the most in-depth study of any commodity on film today and offers a compelling introduction to the “fair trade” movement galvanizing consumers around the globe.

After oil, coffee is the most actively traded commodity in the world with $80 billion dollars in retail sales. But farmers make as little as three cents for every cup of coffee sold in the U.S. or Europe.

A sip of cappuccino will remind viewers of the farmers who grew the beans and of their own power to pressure corporations where it hurts most – the bottom line. The film reminds us that ordinary citizens can influence trade, environmental and human rights policy, voting with their dollars for a more equitable relationship between the global North and South.

This film is a part of an ongoing film series @ Reedwood called "Friday Films with Friends". All films begin @ 7pm in Reedwood's Sanctuary (2901 SE Steele Street Portland, OR 97202).

Reedwood is located behind Reed College. Child care, popcorn, and drinks will be provided. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Adam Carlson @ 503-516-0818