WOF ZERASH COFFEE
“FASCINATING INSIGHT INTO THE ETHIOPIAN COFFEE INDUSTRY AND ITS IMPACT WORLDWIDE. A WONDERFUL SNAPSHOT OF A COMMUNITY – THE IMPORTANCE OF WHICH IS EMPHASISED BY THE DEATH OF MR WOLDE GIORGIS, ONE OF THE KEY CONTRIBUTORS. IT’S WONDERFUL THAT HIS LEGACY AND AMBITIONS WERE CAPTURED IN THIS DOC BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY.”– CRITICS REVIEW
“Wof Zerash Coffee” takes viewers on a cinematic odyssey to the Kafa region of Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica coffee. This deeply personal journey, rooted in the director’s decade-long immersion in Ethiopian culture, reveals
the delicate balance between nature and community, where coffee is more than a drink—it’s a lifeline woven into the fabric of family, culture, and the global future.
The film highlights the vital role of farmers, beekeepers, and scientists battling to preserve these precious forests for the global community. It documents the devastating impact of rising temperatures and dwindling bee populations, and the urgent race to safeguard coffee’s genetic diversity. You’ll meet determined individuals whose tireless efforts to plant new coffee trees reveal a profound respect for nature’s delicate balance.
It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and the deep connection between people, nature, and the fate of one of the world’s most cherished drinks. It’s a film about reconnecting with what truly matters: our families, our friends, our environment, and the simple act of sharing a cup of coffee.
Wof Zerash Coffee: A Story brewed in collaboration
From the film director, Sylwia Pecio: a global storyteller, her camera a reflection of the human condition.
Film director
Polish-born artist and filmmaker, Sylwia brings a truly global perspective, shaped by her incredible journey across continents. After honing her craft in art in Krakow and film in London, she spent a decade immersing herself in East Africa, building deep connections while working with the UN. It was there her debut documentary, Wof Zerash Coffee, was born—a deeply personal project reflecting her passion for people and the environment. The film director is a global storyteller, her camera serves as a bridge to the human spirit, echoing universal human truths around the world.
Crew—a global team, a local heart
Zerash Coffee brought together a diverse international team to create a universally appealing story. This included Ethiopian and Kenyan crews, a Jamaican-British narrator, American composers, a British editor, a Welsh copywriter, a Polish animator, and a German font designer. We also ensured the film was accessible to neurodiverse viewers, reflecting Ethiopia’s rich societal diversity.
The film’s core concept—the coffee origin—was proposed by the executive producer, and then the film director charted the full scope of the past, present, and future of coffee in film language. It was Sylwia who then masterfully assembled this entire diverse team, translating that initial vision into a complete, compelling cinematic work.
A tapestry of voices
Our film is a testament to the power of diverse perspectives. Each crew member brought a distinct flavour, from the spark that a Polish filmmaker ignited to the Jamaican-British narration.
On camera, we meet Ethiopians who view coffee as family, a societal bond, and a crucial weapon against climate change. Their stories are interwoven with scientific research, highlighting the fundamental role of Ethiopian Arabica’s polyculture
for the future of the coffee industry globally.
Brewing a dream: three years in the making
The past three years have been a project of love. Securing funding was a struggle, yet a ten-year friendship with our participants kept the fire burning. This film is the culmination of dedication, shared expertise, and a burning desire to tell a story waiting to be heard.
We continue the legacy of Wolde Giorgis. We were saddened to learn of Mr Woldegiorgis Shawo’s passing as we completed the film. Our deepest condolences go to his family and the people of Kaffa. Wolde, a true Bonga legend, was a humble nature protector who dearly loved and served the Kaffa forest. He lived and died peacefully, in harmony with nature. We hope he’s enjoying Wof Zerash’s coffee from above and that this film honours his invaluable contributions and ambitions, which we were fortunate to capture before his passing.
‘Wof Zerash’ is an expression primarily from the Kafi Noonoo language of Ethiopia, and it literally means…
‘Sown by birds’, ‘wild’, ‘not planted by humans’
The original, wild Arabica coffee forests of Ethiopia are under threat from climate change. Local farmers and scientists identify strategies to combat this imminent crisis in a bid to maintain these ancient, wild coffee forests for the benefit of future generations and the global coffee industry.
The heartwarming traditions of family and community, where coffee fuels daily life The story is deeply rooted in the heartwarming traditions of family and community, where coffee is more than a beverage; it’s a lifeline that strengthens intergenerational bonds. This collective spirit fuels the relentless pursuit of farmers, beekeepers, and scientists. They’re united in their efforts to preserve these precious forests, actively planting new life amidst the rising temperatures and dwindling resources.
Meet a determined man whose tireless efforts to plant new coffee trees reveal a profound respect for nature’s delicate balance—for every coffee tree planted, three more must rise beside it to ensure the ecosystem’s health.
Ethiopia’s gift to the world
Ethiopian Arabica Coffee is cash in the bank for the future coffee industry.
Wof Zerash, meaning “wild” or “sown by birds”, captures the essence of Ethiopian Arabica coffee: a gift both untamed and threatened. This documentary isn’t just about a beverage; it’s a fight for the future. The climate crisis looms, jeopardising not only coffee’s existence but the very fabric of Ethiopian society. It is authoritative and topical, with expert scientific analysis and personal accounts from Ethiopian coffee farmers, beekeepers, and winners of the prestigious Cup of Excellence. We propose strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, and examine methods to ensure the continued quality and supply of Arabica coffee from Ethiopia.
The looming extinction of coffee
The climate crisis: a threat to coffee’s future
Climate change and the relentless increase in global warming pose an existential threat to coffee’s entire future as a species. The delicate ecosystem that sustains Arabica coffee in its birthplace is at severe risk.
- Annual crop yields may drop by 50% due to a lack of wild bees, crucial pollinators for coffee trees.
- If coffee disappears in Ethiopia, it will be the end of coffee globally, as only Ethiopia possesses the thousands of coffee species, while other countries grow only monocultures.
- As the credits roll, a critical question still stands: Are you willing to pay £40 or more for a cup of coffee? The cost of this cherished beverage may soon skyrocket.
For every coffee tree planted, three more must rise beside it to ensure the ecosystem’s health
Kafa: The birthplace of Arabica Coffee
The Kafa region of Ethiopia is a rugged, mile-high plateau that has existed for over two thousand years in virtual isolation. This unique geography, combined with its specific climate and rainfall patterns, has made Kafa a biodiversity hotspot.
It is home to many unique species of animals and plants, including the wild ancestor of all Arabica coffee, which grows naturally in the forest under a protective canopy of trees. This pristine environment is where the story of “Wof Zerash Coffee” truly begins.
Resilience and innovation: battling for the future
Empowering communities
- Only 30% of coffee business owners are women. The film advocates for addressing this disparity at a local policy level, recognizing that “When you help women, it is sure you help the family.”
- “We must help farmers maintain their health, send their children to school, and earn their livelihood.”
- “Coffee is a contributor to the environment, livelihood, and economy. Smallholder coffee gardens can contribute significantly to the economy due to their high productivity.”
Conservation and adaptation
- In a major step forward, Ethiopia planted 4 billion trees and shrubs in deforested areas in 2019, and 5 billion trees in 2021.
- Farmers like Niguse Gemeda Mude are implementing innovative farming practices and embracing sustainable methods such as beekeeping and biogas production to adapt to changing climates.
- “We are at a crossroads because the future generation started believing in modernisation and soon realised it was wrong. They are now turning back to nature, and their elders have taught them that nature is the best, most sustainable, and most certain way.”
Moments from the Film
“We have to work tidily together; otherwise, we’re rushing to destroy our planet.”
“When you care for the source, you care for the system.”
“If the bee colonies disappear, there is no chance for human beings to survive. We have to be more responsible. This is a question for all human beings.”
The team behind “Wof Zerash Coffee”
It was a difficult project from the start. We had to overcome the various challenges of location, language, logistics, war and lack of finance.
We travelled a truly bumpy road, but kept going. In the end our sense of achievement in the face of such obstacles was all the sweeter.
Sylwia Pecio
Director/Producer/Co-editor
Anteneh Mulu Negatu
ExecutiveProducer/
Producer/Researcher
Rodgers Gold
Cinematography (all interviews)
Drone
Beniyam Gulilat
Cinematography/Drone/1st AC/Boom Operator
Ben Z. Harris
Editor
Ananiya Hailu
Sound recordist
Paul Sullivan
Copywriter/Researcher/Script supervisor
Kenny Allen
Composer/Sound Designer
Kaethe Hostetter
Composer
Alanna Leslie
Voice-over Artist
Maxim Fisher
Colour grader
Bereket Kochito
Location manager/fixer
Special Thanks
Our deepest gratitude goes to the communities, farmers, beekeepers, ecologists, and scientists in Bonga, Jimma, and Keramo. Your love, appreciation, and care are deep and everlasting.
The credids continues
Solomon Tekle for translating Kafa into English
Tomasz Runowicz for Point Cloud Animation
Ingo Zimmermann for Amhara Font Design
This film would not exist without the creative contribution of these people.
Prof. Sebsebe Demissew
Mesfin Tekle
Dr. Taye Kufa
Dr. Girma Hailemichael
Doc. Yitebitu Moges
Tamiru Tadesse
Nigussie Gemeda
Prof. John Altringham
Paul Sullivan
The film was made possible by individual contributions, including institutional funding, major executive director support, and successful crowdfunding. Every contribution, whether financial or time-based, and regardless of its size, was crucial to bringing this film to life.
Jimma Agriculture Research Centre
Ethiopian Institute of Agriculture Research
Bonga University
Tatmara Coffee Farm
A special thank you to Hazel Slavin, Ant Collins, and Tamiru Tadesse for their invaluable contributions to the post-production of “Wof Zerash Coffee.”
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