Case studies · 03 of 04

From Beans to Brew

In November 2023, Grate Make Films was commissioned as the Ugandan production partner for the International Labour Organization’s global documentary From Beans to Brew. The film follows coffee from seed to cup, with Ugandan segments filmed in Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Kawempe and Kampala.

ClientInternational Labour Organization
Local partnerUganda Coffee Development Authority
FilmedNovember 2023
ReleasedOctober 2024

01 — The brief

Show the world where its coffee comes from.

What it had to do

Document the realities of Ugandan coffee farmers and processors
Highlight Uganda’s role in the global coffee value chain
Contribute authentic visuals and narratives to the global release
Show responsible labour practices and sustainability in the sector

Partners

ILO, UCDA, Ministry of Gender, farmers’ cooperatives and local cafés.

02 — How it was made

Three stages, one crew.

01
Pre-production
Extensive location scouting, community coordination, and permit approvals with UCDA and local authorities.
02
Production
Rural farm shoots, industrial processing coverage and Kampala café culture, captured with cinema cameras, drones and rigs.
03
Post-production
Footage delivered with metadata logging, synced sound and rough cuts, ready for integration with the global edit.

03 — What it reached

What happened next.

The film premiered in October 2024, raising awareness of labour rights and promoting Ugandan coffee globally. It proved Uganda can meet world-class production standards, created local work, and positioned the studio as a partner for international documentaries.