More Seeds to Sow
There is a rumor that 95% of the film that is shot for the average movie ends up on the cutting room floor. After working as an Extra on a Hollywood film, I believe the rumor to be true. The CAO family, as well as others involved in the making of Seed to Soul, are experts in their fields, and know a little more about the cigar industry than I do. That is why I was so anxious to view their film. As comprehensive as the movie is, I would have liked to see (and learn) even more. However, it is very possible that any extra footage could have made the movie too cumbersome for the average viewer. Regardless, I would have rated the film with 5 stars (instead of 4 ½) if it had contained some extra footage, for the following reasons:
- After watching the movie, some viewers may want a little more information about the business structure of the cigar tobacco industry. It may not be too apparent (especially after only one screening) who owns or controls the farms, processing plants, and factories. Are there any cigar makers who own their own tobacco farms and use only their own tobacco? Do some cigar makers buy all their tobacco from independent growers, either directly from the farmers or through a middleman? Do some cigar makers grow their own tobacco and also buy from others?
- This may not be a popular subject, but some viewers may want to know if chemicals are used anywhere during the process. Are hand made cigars all natural, or more organic, compared to machine made stogies? Are pesticides or herbicides used to control insects and weeds while the plants are growing? Are fumigants used to kill tobacco beetles after the cigars are rolled, or do manufacturers of handmade cigars freeze their finished cigars for at least 72 hours, and then thaw them out before packaging?
- The bunching and rolling processes were illustrated and narrated beautifully in the movie, and this could be a stage that is of great interest to many viewers. The filmmakers used a figurado (irregular) shaped cigar to demonstrate the rolling process. I think it would have helped to also include a narrated demonstration of a cap being made with leftover wrapper leaf, and attached (perhaps with natural vegetable gum glue) to the head of a parejo, the most common cylindrical shaped cigar, to secure its wrapper. Since it may take more skill to roll a figurado than a parejo, it is understandable that the filmmakers may have wanted to showcase their best talent. I may be nitpicking here, but I think that some viewers would like to see and hear how both shapes are made.
Conclusion
This is a great film for cigar lovers who want to know how cigars are made, from seeds to finished cigars packed in a box. It would also make a great gift for anyone who enjoys premium handmade cigars. I enjoyed the film immensely, learned a lot from it, and strongly recommend it to anyone having an interest in cigars.
Seed to Soul is available on DVD at
CAO Cigars.
