The Cost of a Coke (2009)
In this powerful and eye-opening documentary, directors German Gutierrez and Carmen Garcia present a searing indictment of the Coca-Cola empire. The film delves into the alleged kidnapping, torture, and murder of union leaders who were striving to improve working conditions in Colombia, Guatemala, and Turkey. These union leaders dared to challenge the corporate giant, seeking justice for exploited workers.
Two lawyers and labor rights activists, Daniel Kovalik of the United Steel Workers of America and Terry Collingsworth of the International Rights Advocates, join forces with their partner Ray Rogers of Corporate Campaign. Their mission: to hold US multinational corporations accountable for the unethical practices of their business associates worldwide. To wage their battle, they invoke a law dating back to the origins of the American Constitution—the Alien Tort Claims Act. This legal provision allows foreigners to file suits in the US against Americans who violate international laws.
The heart of their fight centers on one of America’s iconic brands: the Coca-Cola company. The filmmakers expose the lies, moral bankruptcy, and corruption that pervade Coca-Cola’s operations in Colombia. The company is accused of cooperating with paramilitaries, leading to the execution of workers within their own bottling plants. These workers were merely attempting to form unions and demand better working conditions.
As the documentary unfolds, viewers witness the struggle against a corporate behemoth, where lives hang in the balance. The film sheds light on the conflicts of interest surrounding Federal Judge Jose Martinez, who presides over the Coca-Cola lawsuits. The stakes are high, and the battle for justice becomes a global quest for accountability.
The Cost of a Coke reveals the gruesome cycle of murders and environmental degradation associated with the world’s most popular soda. It calls on viewers to consider their role in supporting or challenging such corporate practices. The film serves as a wake-up call, urging us to question the true cost of our everyday choices.
In summary, this documentary unflinchingly confronts the dark side of a beloved beverage, exposing the human toll and environmental impact hidden behind every fizzy sip.
