The documentary “Reclaiming Cocoa” by Staldi Productions, directed by Magdalena Zimmermann, exposes the harsh realities behind an industry that often brands itself as “sustainable” and “fair.” While chocolate companies proudly display their ethical labels, the film reveals that families like the Narteys in Ghana still rely on unpaid labor, with children working on cocoa farms instead of attending school.
Beneath the surface of certification schemes lies a system that continues to perpetuate exploitation and inequality. The old tombstones of Swiss missionaries, once pioneers of Ghana’s cocoa industry, remind us how deeply the colonial value chain remains rooted, and how little it has genuinely changed.
At the same time, Reclaiming Cocoa offers hope. The film showcases local entrepreneurs and start-ups that are creating new value chains by developing alternative cocoa-based products, generating local employment opportunities, and redistributing value within their communities. More than an exposé, the documentary is a call to action, urging us to rethink consumption, challenge historical narratives, and envision a future where prosperity is shared more equitably.
Learn more about the film and the cocoa industry at Afrikadag:
During Afrikadag, part of Reclaiming Cocoa will be screened in the session “Reclaiming Cocoa.”
Daniel Grmazion (Modern AfriQa) and Max Koffi (Equal Trade Alliance) will take you behind the scenes of our chocolate bar, exploring how new ecosystems can promote equality, fair trade, and sustainable collaboration between Africa and Europe.
Can't wait to watch the full documentary?
Reclaiming Cocoa can be purchased online via www.reclaimingcocoa.ch, where you’ll also find more information about the filmmakers, their research, and the documentary’s impact.
