An award-winning documentary film about Ethiopia’s coffee industry is being given a special free screening at Hackney Picturehouse and will be followed by Q&A from one of its directors to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight.
Black Gold, a 2006 film following the efforts of the general manager of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union to get a better price globally for the coffee produced by the Ethiopian farmers he represents, will be shown on Sunday, 1 March from 3.30pm.
Nick Francis, who directed Black Gold with his brother Marc, will be hosting a Q&A about the film following the screening in the Mare Street cinema.
Fairtrade is a commitment to a better deal for producers in developing countries and making sure they get a good price for a good product.
The screening is one of a number of activities being held in Hackney to promote Fairtrade Fortnight which started on February 23 and runs until 8 March.
This year, the two weeks focuses on the impact of Fairtrade and asks people to “shine a spotlight on the producers who grow the products we love”.
The Hackney Fairtrade Group will have a stall in Broadway Market on Saturday, 7 March. Residents can taste Fairtrade products, talk to the Hackney Fairtrade Group about the movement, and play a part locally by helping map where they are buying Fairtrade products in the borough.
Hackney councillor Jonathan McShane said: “Fairtrade Fortnight is the perfect opportunity for all of us to commit to a more ethical way of shopping and trading.
“Pay a visit to our stall in Broadway Market to learn more about the ways we can support farmers in developing countries.”
The group was set up in 2008 to promote the ethos to local businesses and organisations, and help influence where they get their supplies. It recently recruited new members.
The team would like to start a directory of businesses which stock Fairtrade products. Those interested, can get in touch with the group by email.
To book a ticket for Black Gold – which won accolades at the British Independent Film Awards and San Francisco Black Film Festival – and the Q&A, go to the Picturehouse website or call the Box Office on: 087 1902 5734.
