The controversial movie on coffee, "Black Gold", is scheduled for two showings during the CMU Voices of Democracy Film Festival.  The first is December 2 at 3pm, the second is December 10 at 6pm.  If you're seriously interested in improving the plight of coffee farmers, we encourage you to attend the December 10 showing - reason being that Peter Guiliano, top dog at Counter Culture Coffee, will be giving a talk in conjunction with that day's screening. 

Counter Culture - much like our roaster, Intelligentsia - has worked extremely hard to build relationships with growers and to ensure that their growers are paid fairly for the quality of coffee received.  Both Intelly and Counter Culture are "on the ground" at origin to work with developing sustainable and organic growing practices, assisting in developing community infrastructure (including housing and schools), and educating growers and their staff on how to best compete in the world market.

The result is better coffee at higher prices.  Not charity.  Not socialism.  Both the programs at Counter Culture and Intelly reward progress in terms of process and end results.  And that's a better deal for both the grower and the consumer than is Fair Trade Certification on its own.

We hope you'll join us December 10 at the Regent Square Theatre for "Black Gold".  An important movie with an important message - and one that's already being answered by Intelligentsia, Counter Culture and other progressive roasters and retailers.

Locally, Intelligentsia services both Aldo Coffee in Mt. Lebo and Intermezzo on Smallman & 21st.  Counter Culture roasts for Blue Horse Coffee in Mt. Lebo and is also available at Margaret's All Things Coffee and Tea in Squirrel Hill.