Sugar: The Rules of the Game 2004
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Meritxell Ribas; a Televisio de Catalunya Production
Director n/a
VHS, color, 33 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Business, Economics, Agriculture
Date Entered: 01/14/2005
Reviewed by Susan Awe, Parish Memorial Library for Business & Economics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NMThis documentary examines the increasingly complex world of international trade by examining the sugar industry in Europe and Africa. Sugar beets are grown in Spain and France creating 200-250,000 jobs and sugar cane is grown in Mozambique, where investors are trying to create jobs. The film discusses how sugar prices are protected by tariffs which block competition and the involvement of the World Bank and European Union in setting tariffs and subsidies and how they affect prices for raw and finished products. Farmers and refinery owners on both continents are interviewed and explain why they think unfair international trade rules favor wealthier nations over emerging economies. Subtitles in English make the information easily understandable.
Video techniques and effects are outstanding as is the photography. Editing was judicious and effective resulting in a film suitable for adults of all ages. Academic and public libraries should purchase to help explain not only the sugar industry but many aspects of globalization.