Baristas

Baristas is an inspiring and heartwarming documentary that premiered in 2019, directed by Rock Baijnauth. The film stars Miki Suzuki, Kyle Ramage, and Chloe J. Nattrass. The documentary follows the respective journeys of four passionate baristas as they represent their countries in an attempt to win the prestigious title at the World Barista Championship. The film is not limited to portraying the competitors' professional journey towards excellence, but also highlights their personal struggles, triumphs, aspirations, and the joy they get in every cup of coffee they prepare.

Baristas opens by introducing us to our four protagonists, and to the world of gourmet coffee brewing. Miki Suzuki, a Japanese barista with commendable skills and passion for coffee, is seeking to make a major breakthrough for women in the industry. Kyle Ramage, a humble and innovative American barista, is showcasing a new approach to coffee preparation. Chloe J. Nattrass, hailing from Germany, is a young entrant who has quickly taken the coffee world by storm, with her exuberance, tenacity, and talent.

The film beautifully highlights the intensive preparation process involved – understanding the origin of coffee beans, perfecting the art of brewing, and focusing on customer service. You get to see the meticulous dedication and passion the competitors have for coffee, breaking the popular notion that it's just a simple beverage. The baristas take you through their journey of discovering and experimenting with a range of brewing techniques, cultivating beans, and their relentless pursuit for creating that perfect cup.

While the film depicts the grueling and thrilling competition where these talented baristas strive to serve the perfect cup of joy, it also underlines the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect they foster for each other. This is a world where every participant inspires, supports, and applauds one another, which paints a refreshing picture amidst the intensity of competition.

More than a coffee competition, Baristas is an investigation into the rapidly growing, continuously evolving world of high-quality coffee. It explores fair trade practices and sustainability issues that countenance the coffee industry. There's a distinct emphasis on the message that each cup of coffee has a deep connection with the lives of farmers who grow the beans. The film brings attention to how the decisions made by espresso enthusiasts are impacting the prospects of coffee growers, making you rethink the next time you sip your cup of coffee.

Complementing the storyline are the vibrant and detailed visuals that give viewers an immersive experience. The cinematographic excellence is displayed by showcasing close shots of the brewing process, capturing the intensity and passion in the barista's eyes, the bubbling froth in the cups, the smooth pouring of rich espresso, and the ecstatic faces upon tasting perfection.

Despite being a documentary shot in various locations around the world, Baristas aptly manages to weave a universal connection around coffee. It leaves a warm aftertaste of understanding and appreciation for the baristas’ craft and their ingenious coffee preparations, bridging the gap between them and the viewers, transcending geographical boundaries.

While the main focus is on the competitors themselves, the film doesn't shy away from providing insights into the world of speciality coffee through interviews with coffee experts and gurus. Their input gives you a deeper understanding and respect for what goes on behind the seemingly simple process of serving a cup of coffee.

The heart and soul of Baristas is a clear representation of human determination and resilience that parallels the journey of coffee - from beans to a comforting brew. Every ingredient added to the coffee, every method used to brew, every smile served with the cup is a symbol of aspiration, perseverance, and satisfaction that these baristas infuse in their art.

Baristas is not just a film for coffee enthusiasts, but for anyone who appreciates passion and dedication towards craftsmanship, and enjoys a good human-interest story. It's about celebrating the spirit of coffee, the tale of its creators, and the love it arouses in millions of hearts worldwide. In many ways, ‘Baristas’ does to the viewer what a good cup of coffee does to its drinker - it wakes you up, stirs your senses and leaves you warmed and inspired, ready to face the world.