A SMALLHOLDER’S VOICE, 20min., Sweden, Documentary
Directed by Clara Wetzel
Amid many economic and social challenges, cocoa and palm oil smallholders in Cameroon have established their farms as a source of income for themselves through entrepreneurship and determination – but today, they face new challenges. Thin (or absent) profit margins, unstable markets, changing consumer demands, conflicts and unpredictable climatic patterns complicate their livelihoods now more than ever. But do they have the necessary resources to adapt to these changes?
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The chance to understand the travels of the cocoa we love.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Approx 3 months
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Complexity / Comodity
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was, during the production, exploring the nuances of the demand, supply and production of sustainable cacao, and during the post-production putting these narratives together in a coherent way.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Very interesting to hear other people’s thoughts, ideas and understandings of the film. Made me happy to see it brought up new perspectives that the viewers were not aware of before.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
After, as a teenager, I learnt how to put images and sound together in a way you could move people.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Fellini’s La Strada
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Help shed light on projects pushing the boundaries on important topics. Through sharing posts and interacting online.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It was a good experience.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Is ice-cream a meal?
11. What is next for you? A new film?
The premier of ARROGANCE. Our next big production, a creative post apocalyptic art film interpreting where humanity is heading expressed through dance. As well as the Equator Prize! Always passionate about grassroots initiatives and how they have the possibility to make the changes we need to see around the world. It’s the contrasts that make filmmaking so rich!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 