Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that the company has acquired North American rights to Rock Baijnauth’s “Barista,” often described as Jiro Dreams of Sushi meets Spellbound but with coffee, the film looks at the world of coffee competitions and focuses on the fascinating baristas who compete in them.
Every year thousands of baristas compete to see who can make the world’s best coffee. They have 15 minutes to make 12 drinks — to make an impact. It’s like the Olympics of the coffee world. “Barista” follows these young, thirsty baristas trying to make their mark… as they try to be the best in the world.
Rock Baijnauth, having previously been the director on HBO’s “The Pirate Tapes,” combined his love of coffee and filmmaking by following some of the rising stars in the coffee world, as they prepared for the Regional, National, and World Barista Championships. While this started as a journey for a love of coffee, it soon became a fascinating story about the people who dedicate their lives to trying to please others sip by sip. From tiny coffee shops in alleys, to underground latte competitions, to the grand stage at nationals, the coffee world is full of quirky, colorful personalities trying to push the limits of a single beverage.
Through thrills of victory and the crushing defeats, the film depicts a wild ride through these people’s lives. A story that will make you want to cheer, laugh, cry, and most of all order a cup of coffee.
Goldwyn plans a Fall 2015 release.
According to Peter Goldwyn of Samuel Goldwyn Films: “We are a country of avid coffee drinkers so I’m especially excited to have the opportunity to bring this film out to audiences. Rock captured all the passion and dedication that baristas have in providing the absolute best cup of coffee to the public and in these competitions. The film will have you rooting for your favorites to win while desperately wanting to head out to your favorite coffee bar to have a cup.”
Filmmaker Rock Baijnauth added: “I was blown away to find out that barista competitions even existed. Seeing the immense dedication behind it all made me take an entirely new approach to the story. It’s no longer just a film about coffee, it’s about devoting yourself to this thing that you just can’t do without. There’s something universal and poetic in that idea.”
“Barista” is directed, written and produced by Rock Baijnauth. The film is executive produced by Christopher Kao and produced by Jimmy Nguyen, Roger Singh, Jason Rose, and Andrew Moniz. Starring Charlie Habegger, Charles Babinski, Truman Severson, Eden-Marie Abramowicz, and Ryan Redden.
