Set in the lush jungles of Belize, THE CHOCOLATE FARMER is a film about the chocolate industry as seen through the eyes of Eladio, a traditional cacao farmer of Mayan ancestry, and others in his community. Eladio takes great pride in his trade and relishes in the ability do something tangible, to be a caretaker of the land and to grow something he can eat. Eladio’s children, however, are not interested in their father’s way of life, opting to leave the village for the city, go to college and work modern jobs. External pressures on the Mayan community are changing their way of life as they struggle to maintain their identities and livelihood.

Canadian director Rohan Fernando (CECIL’S JOURNEY) explores the nature of family and culture clashes between generations while also looking at the broader picture, bringing awareness to an ancient civilization and the effects of globalization on their community.