Black Gold.

Black Gold exclusive
The Co-operative sponsors Fairtrade film screenings across the UK

Members of The Co-operative Group and other co-operative societies are invited to the exclusive cinema screenings of the film Black Gold taking place all over the UK during June and July. See the members' events diary to apply for your FREE ticket.

The Co-operative is supporting the film with launch events in Manchester and London, attended by the film’s creators Nick and Marc Francis. A special screening in Brighton on 22 June coincided with the annual Co operative Congress; delegates attended the film and also took part in a discussion with one of the film makers.

The documentary was selected by the Sundance Film Festival 2006, and follows the struggle of Tadesse Meskela from the Oromia Coffee Farmers Co-operative Union in Ethiopia on a quest to save his 74,000 farmers from bankruptcy.

While coffee is the most valuable trading commodity in the world after oil, multi-national coffee companies dominate the industry, and the price paid to coffee farmers remains so low that many have been forced to abandon their plantations.

Tadesse travels the world in a bid to find buyers willing to pay a fair price, uncovering the dominance of international traders and the double dealings within the industry.

Group Ethical Policies Manager Barry Clavin said: “It is hoped that Black Gold will bring home the message about fair trade, in the same way that An Inconvenient Truth brought home the message about climate change. Issues surrounding fair trade and sound sourcing are – like climate change – so important to all of our businesses.”

Co-operative affairs officer Nick Hempleman, who is organising the Brighton screening for Congress delegates, said: “Black Gold illustrates just how serious the struggle is for coffee growers in developing countries. It is a powerful and effective tool for encouraging people to support fair trade.

“We are committed to supporting fair trade, and we hope as many members as possible will take this opportunity to attend one of the free screenings and learn more about how they can make a real difference to the lives of coffee-growers worldwide.”
Gordthecooperator