Something to think about before you drink your next cup of tea: Fairtrade Matters
- Text by Shelley Jones
I’ve got a little confession to make. I’ve never bought, or not bought, anything dependent on that little Fairtrade stamp. I kind of knew it meant good – like organic or not-tested-on-animals – but in the heat of the shop, it’s never swayed me much. That is, until now.
Photographer and filmmaker Will Robson-Scott has produced a short film Fairtrade Matters that explores the lives of some farmers in Malawi whose lives have been transformed by Fairtrade standards, and it’s a reminder that rich consumers make important choices every time they spend.
Fairtrade Matters is not a gratuitous poverty film it’s an insightful and beautifully shot portrayal of the lives of Edson and Tsala, two tea farmers in Southern Malawi, November 2014, and it shows the negatives and positives of their rural way of life, stating, specifically how Fairtrade has made a difference.
Elements of the film are distressing – how little food there is and the obstacles to education that exist for kids – but the film also looks at how small developments of infrastructure – a well, a maternity ward, a motorbike – can be totally transformative.
All in all an inspiring and eye-opening film that gives a fresh perspective on an often overlooked society.
You might like
A stark, confronting window into the global cocaine trade
Sangre Blanca — Mads Nissen’s new book is a close-up look at various stages of the drug’s journey, from production to consumption, and the violence that follows wherever it goes.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Venice Biennale will not award artists from Israel & Russia due to war crime accusations
Art Not Genocide — Both countries will still be allowed to exhibit work at their respective pavilions, but be excluded from judging considerations, as they have leaders facing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
Written by: Noah Petersons
Confronting America’s history of violence against student protest
Through A Mirror, Darkly — In May 1970, two separate massacres at American college campuses saw deaths at the hands of the state. Naeem Mohaiemen’s new three-channel film memorialises the brutality.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Kneecap, Brian Eno, Erika de Casier sign Eurovision boycott letter protesting Israel’s involvement
No Music For Genocide — It calls upon the European Broadcasting Union to ban Israel from the upcoming competition, which is set to take place in Vienna between May 12 and May 14. Other signatories include Massive Attack, Hot Chip and Nadine Shah.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
“Madness can be overcome”: Robert Del Naja releases statement after Palestine Action arrest
“Small price to pay” — The Massive Attack frontman was one of more than 500 people detained on Saturday on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action, a group that has been banned under the Terrorism Act 2000 by the UK government.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Defiant photos of New York’s ’80s & ’90s queer activists
Arresting Images — Dona Ann McAdams’ photographs document the AIDS crisis, lesbian organising and civil disobedience from one of the most fraught eras in American LGBTQ+ history. A sale of her archive takes place later this month.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
