One of the most interesting interviews we did at IPCPR was with Jesse Marriut and Steve Gherebean, two of the people behind a documentary about the cigar industry called Hand Rolled: A Film About Cigars. Pete Johnson told us about the project, and was kind enough to give us a spot in the Tatuaje booth to record this video.

Jesse and Steve tell us that the goal of the film is to acquaint the viewer with the cigar industry through the human stories of all the people involved in the production of cigars, from the farm hands to the well-known heads of cigar companies. And in doing so demonstrate why the cigar industry is different from others out there, especially the cigarette business.

Production on the film began in January of this year in Nicaragua, but Jesse and Steve started laying the groundwork for it early last year. Preparation included attending the 2016 IPCPR trade show to make contacts and get permission to film the industry in action. As of the time our interview was recorded, the plan is for finished movie to premier at IPCPR 2018, and ultimately make its way to Netflix.

To contribute to the project, or just keep up with its progress, check out the Hand Rolled website (http://www.handrolledmovie.com/), the YouTube Channel and/or their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

IPCPR Coverage Sponsored By
Drew Estate