 On the island of the Dominican Republic, tourists flock to pristine beaches unaware that a few miles away thousands of dispossessed Haitians have toiled under armed-guard on plantations harvesting sugarcane, much of which ends up in U.S. kitchens. They work grueling hours and frequently lack decent housing, clean water, electricity, education or healthcare. THE PRICE OF SUGAR follows Father Christopher Hartley, a charismatic Spanish priest, as he organizes some of this hemisphere's poorest people, challenging powerful interests profiting from their work. This film raises key questions about where the products we consume originate and at what human cost they are produced.
"A fascinating portrait... Like many absolutists, Father Christopher can be a pain in the ass, which is just what’s needed for the padded rear ends of these slave-owners—and for those of us who gorge on the results."
Ella Taylor, Village Voice
"Provocative...an impressive cinematic achievement. This picture has a visual sweep that many documentary films lack."
- Stephen Farber, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"Here's one for audiences who think there are no fresh outrages in the world, or no heroes worth fighting for."
- John DeFore, AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN
2007 SXSW - Audience Award Winner
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