Got some exciting news from Anat Baron, the director of the new documentary film Beer Wars, which is that it will premiere on April 16 in Los Angeles. Baron has invited me to the premiere and I can’t wait. She’s been working on the film for several years now, and judging from the trailer, looks to ruffle a few feathers. It also should be highly entertaining and, hopefully, influential in getting consumers to understand the importance of supporting craft brewers, not just because the beer usually tastes better, but also because it makes economic sense to support local businesses, too.
Baron’s a fan of the Bulletin, and we had lunch in Berkley last year when she was in town visiting her relatives in the Bay Area. I love the message she’s hoping to spread about small beer vs. big beer; it’s a titanic struggle, and one which many people don’t fully understand, even some who work in the industry.
Here’s how the film’s website sums up the movie.
In America, size matters. The bigger you are, the more power you have, especially in the business world.
Director Anat Baron takes you on a no holds barred exploration of the U.S. beer industry that ultimately reveals the truth behind the label of your favorite beer. Told from an insider’s perspective, the film goes behind the scenes of the daily battles and all out wars that dominate one of America’s favorite industries.
Beer Wars begins as the corporate behemoths are being challenged by small, independent brewers who are shunning the status quo and creating innovative new beers. The story is told through 2 of these entrepreneurs – Sam and Rhonda – battling the might and tactics of Corporate America. We witness their struggle to achieve their American Dream in an industry dominated by powerful corporations unwilling to cede an inch.
This contemporary David and Goliath story is ultimately about keeping your integrity (and your family’s home) in the face of temptation. Beer Wars is a revealing and entertaining journey that provides unexpected and surprising turns and promises to change the world’s opinion on those infamous 99 bottles of beer on the wall.
Cool. Beer Wars should be fun.
I’m watching this movie. I’m trying to do my part by working 2 days a week in a liquor store that has a wonderful beer selection. You still see tons of people buying the big 5 but I’m talking more and more people into drinking some craft beers. This is a message that really needs to be heard on a large scale and I think more people are ready to hear it. This is especially true with these lager breweries trying to push their “craft” products, which are utterly deplorable.
Looks to be a great movie, hope to catch it down here in Florida. Doing my best to keep the independents brewing by trying as many beers as possible (up over 600 so far) and going back to the ones I really like.
Keep fighting the good(beer)fight!