Although many take vanilla for granted, this difficult and dangerous crop is a singular opportunity to escape poverty for farmers in Madagascar. Will the women responsible for vanilla cultivation be able to weather the storms that threaten their livelihoods?
Although many take vanilla for granted, this difficult and dangerous crop is a singular opportunity to escape poverty for farmers in Madagascar. Will the women responsible for vanilla cultivation be able to weather the storms that threaten their livelihoods?
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Story
Mission Statement
We are an international team of filmmakers, journalists, scientists, and artists with decades of storytelling experience. Our goal is to uncover the forces preying upon vulnerable farmers, so that you can be certain the food you purchase supports a fair, healthy, and equitable planet.About The Project
Voice of Vanilla is a feature documentary about women vanilla farmers in Madagascar, the challenges they face with devastating poverty, all the while struggling at the bottom of the ladder in regards to resources. These women face exploitation from middlemen to corporations, harrowing climate change storm-surges, unprecedented novel diseases and finally, theft. Unimaginable obstacles aside, vanilla offers a rare lifeline out of poverty. This film examines the factors that determine whether vanilla is a blessing or a curse, and what we can do globally to make sure that real Madagascar vanilla is available for future generations.
WHY VANILLA?
As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar, I witnessed firsthand how marginalized people were impacted every day by climate change realities. This was in stark contrast to the United State’s stance that climate change is something to worry about in the future, not today. I felt compelled to guide others with what I learned through these experiences in the hopes that we, globally, can take action before it’s too late. The story of vanilla farmers captured my attention because the women are not only dealing with climate change but a rash of other critical global issues. These types of systematic problems are ones which governments know about, but seem to be in no hurry to solve. For people in power, these are distant issues that require no immediate attention, especially since they are rarely in the news or at the forefront of peoples’ attention. However, for people in poor, rural areas like the vanilla farmers, these issues impact their ability to survive and limit any and all agency to create a better reality for themselves and future generations.
WHY US?
We are committed to giving this story, and these women, the attention they deserve. The farmers are facing insurmountable barriers to improving their lives; we have the power to help. It takes a community to create a film, and we would need you to join the team. How would you like to be involved? If you have limited time, but want to contribute to the film, we have some fun incentives for you. If you want to be more involved, please let us know!
Although production was paused due to covid, our team based in Madagascar is ready to go, with production resuming in June 2021. This crowdfunding campaign will provide the funds for the next stage production, capturing the opening of the vanilla market. The price of vanilla dropped drastically this year worldwide, yet the government of Madagascar is imposing prices higher than those on the world market, which could make it difficult for farmers to sell their crops. We will see firsthand how this volatility impacts the farmers.
Our goal with this film is impact. It will be part of an educational program to increase support for Fair Trade and ethically-sourced products. Combined with 360° virtual experiences, it will tour museums, botanical gardens, and educational institutions around the world. Estimated completion date for the film is Fall 2022.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Incentives
$4
Film Fan
Invitation to online event featuring an early-stage edit of the film, behind the scene footage, and a Q&A with the filmmaker. You'll have the chance to see that film as it develops.
PLUS social media High Five
**This is a Seed&Spark only price. Actual price of event will be $10 after campaign ends**
$15
Film Giver
Invite 4 of your friends anywhere in the world to join in on the online event. Know someone who loves cooking, travel, or doc films? Then SHARE THE LOVE of this film with them!
+ social media High Five
$25
Film Buff
See yourself in MADAGASCAR! That's right, you'll get a digital photo of YOU in the amazing country of Madagascar. Plus a Madagascar-themed digital coloring book
+ invite for you and 4 of your friends to the online event
+ social media High Five
$50
Cast & Crew
All of the above plus an invite for you +1 to a special Cast & Crew screening of the film and Wrap Party in Denver, CO (transportation not included).
Plus your name will be included in the credits at the end of the film!
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ digital coloring book
$70
SMK T-shirt
Where a T-shirt featuring meaningful lyrics from the song Tefy Gasy, written by Samson Kaed - musician and Voice of Vanilla crew member!
This reward allows you to support 2 causes: the making of Voice of Vanilla and Samson's music.
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
Claimed: 0 of 10
$75
The History of Vanilla
Vanilla: The Cultural History of the World's Favorite Flavor and Fragrance, by Patricia Rain, was one of the inspirations for this film. The history of vanilla is SO INTERESTING and no one even knows. Well, now you will be in the know because you'll have a hardback copy of this beautiful book.
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
Claimed: 1 of 10
$100
VIP
All of the above plus VIP status at the Cast & Crew film screening and after-party in Denver, CO (transportation not included). This means Reserved front row seats and drinks on the house!
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
$250
Virtual Filmmaker
Become an official member of the team by joining in on our Zoom calls. You'll hear about what's happening, challenges we're facing, and celebrate our wins with us.
+ VIP status at the Cast & Crew film screening and after-party
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
$450
EXTRAORDINARY WINE EXPERIENCE
A virtual evening with Tony Zezas, wine expert extraordinaire. Tony has spent over 10 years perfecting the art of sophisticated dining experiences, traveling the world's wine regions, and graduating from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). He will take you on a journey explaining the concepts of terroir and the connections between food, beverage, and culture.
+ includes all previous rewards
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Sold Out!
$500
Film Aficionado
MOUNTED SCREENSHOT signed by the filmmakers. Share the beauty of Madagascar, and the film you helped create, on a wall of your home.
+ invite to production Zoom meetings
+ VIP status at the Cast & Crew film screening and after-party
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
$1,000
Dinner and a Movie
PRIVATE SCREENING with Maureen for you and your friends in YOUR HOME,
and I will cook you my favorite traditional Malagasy DINNER!
+ mounted screenshot
+ invite to production Zoom meetings
+ VIP status at the Cast & Crew film screening and after-party
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ digital coloring book
$3,000
Associate Producer
Congratulations, you're an Associate Producer on a world-changing documentary. Feels good, doesn't it? Get your headshot ready: You'll get ALL the previous rewards
PLUS Associate Producer credit on iMDB.com and in the film!
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$4
Film Fan
Invitation to online event featuring an early-stage edit of the film, behind the scene footage, and a Q&A with the filmmaker. You'll have the chance to see that film as it develops.
PLUS social media High Five
**This is a Seed&Spark only price. Actual price of event will be $10 after campaign ends**
$15
Film Giver
Invite 4 of your friends anywhere in the world to join in on the online event. Know someone who loves cooking, travel, or doc films? Then SHARE THE LOVE of this film with them!
+ social media High Five
$25
Film Buff
See yourself in MADAGASCAR! That's right, you'll get a digital photo of YOU in the amazing country of Madagascar. Plus a Madagascar-themed digital coloring book
+ invite for you and 4 of your friends to the online event
+ social media High Five
$50
Cast & Crew
All of the above plus an invite for you +1 to a special Cast & Crew screening of the film and Wrap Party in Denver, CO (transportation not included).
Plus your name will be included in the credits at the end of the film!
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ digital coloring book
$70
SMK T-shirt
Where a T-shirt featuring meaningful lyrics from the song Tefy Gasy, written by Samson Kaed - musician and Voice of Vanilla crew member!
This reward allows you to support 2 causes: the making of Voice of Vanilla and Samson's music.
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
Claimed: 0 of 10
$75
The History of Vanilla
Vanilla: The Cultural History of the World's Favorite Flavor and Fragrance, by Patricia Rain, was one of the inspirations for this film. The history of vanilla is SO INTERESTING and no one even knows. Well, now you will be in the know because you'll have a hardback copy of this beautiful book.
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
Claimed: 1 of 10
$100
VIP
All of the above plus VIP status at the Cast & Crew film screening and after-party in Denver, CO (transportation not included). This means Reserved front row seats and drinks on the house!
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
$250
Virtual Filmmaker
Become an official member of the team by joining in on our Zoom calls. You'll hear about what's happening, challenges we're facing, and celebrate our wins with us.
+ VIP status at the Cast & Crew film screening and after-party
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
$450
EXTRAORDINARY WINE EXPERIENCE
A virtual evening with Tony Zezas, wine expert extraordinaire. Tony has spent over 10 years perfecting the art of sophisticated dining experiences, traveling the world's wine regions, and graduating from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). He will take you on a journey explaining the concepts of terroir and the connections between food, beverage, and culture.
+ includes all previous rewards
Sold Out!
$500
Film Aficionado
MOUNTED SCREENSHOT signed by the filmmakers. Share the beauty of Madagascar, and the film you helped create, on a wall of your home.
+ invite to production Zoom meetings
+ VIP status at the Cast & Crew film screening and after-party
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
$1,000
Dinner and a Movie
PRIVATE SCREENING with Maureen for you and your friends in YOUR HOME,
and I will cook you my favorite traditional Malagasy DINNER!
+ mounted screenshot
+ invite to production Zoom meetings
+ VIP status at the Cast & Crew film screening and after-party
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ your name in credits
+ digital coloring book
+ Photo of you in Madagascar
+ invite for you and 4 friends to online event
+ social media High Five
+ digital coloring book
$3,000
Associate Producer
Congratulations, you're an Associate Producer on a world-changing documentary. Feels good, doesn't it? Get your headshot ready: You'll get ALL the previous rewards
PLUS Associate Producer credit on iMDB.com and in the film!
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Producer, Maureen Lee Maloney, MS, MA, specializes in creating documentary content related to culture, science, and international issues. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar, and has lived and filmed throughout Africa, South America, and Asia.
Director/Co-Producer Gaelle Borgia is a Pulitzer prize-winning Malagasy journalist. She has worked as a journalist in Madagascar for 10 years, reporting for major media like France 24, BBC, and New York Times. She's had the opportunity to do several news reports on price variation, insecurity, lack of regulation in the vanilla sector, and is very interested in this topic as the capital of vanilla, Sambava, is her father's home town.
Associate Producer, Samson Kaed was born and raised in the vanilla region of Antalaha, Madagascar. Currently he studies Communication in the capital city of Antananarivo. He founded the English Association of the Region SAVA, and has a lot of experience educating others, as a librarian for CLUE, a cultural facilitator at Peace Corps Madagascar, and many other companies.
Associate Producer, Sarah Osterhoudt is an environmental anthropologist who works with vanilla growers in Madagascar to study cultural dynamics of agriculture and trade in Madagascar. She received her Ph.D. from Yale University and is currently an associate professor at Indiana University, Bloomington. Osterhoudt is the author of Vanilla Landscapes: Meaning, Memory, and the Cultivation of Place in Madagascar.
Advisor, Greg Campbell is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker, nonfiction author, and journalist. His film, Hondros, premiered in 2017 at Tribeca Film Festival and won the Audience Award, Documentary First Place. His bestselling book, “Blood Diamonds”, inspired the six-time Oscar nominated movie of the same name starring Leonard DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly.
Click to view Greg's work or watch Hondros on Netflix.
Advisor, Karen Whitehead, is the award-winning producer/director of IMITATING LIFE – THE AUDACITY OF SUZANNE HEINTZ (2020) and HER AIM IS TRUE (2013). She is an accomplished journalist and former television producer.
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