THE DARK SIDE OF CHOCOLATE
Documentary, Ivory Coast
Directed by Miki Mistrati and U. Roberto Romano
Duration 46 min

 

A team of journalists investigates how human trafficking and child labor in the Ivory Coast fuels the worldwide chocolate industry. The crew interview both proponents and opponents of these alleged practices, and use hidden camera techniques to delve into the gritty world of cocoa plantations.

The documentary starts in Cologne, Germany, where Mistrati asks several chocolate company representatives whether they are aware of child labour in cocoa farms. The children, ranging in age from 10 to 15, are forced to do hard and often hazardous labor and are often beaten. According to the film’s narrator, most are never paid.

When confronted with this issue, corporate representatives deny all rumors of child labor and trafficking, but the investigations of the filmmakers bring to light the continued widespread use of trafficked child slaves on cocoa plantations.

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