L'Arte Dell' Olio (The Art of Oil)

[DC Chavez]

Link to Video: L’Arte Dell’ Olio - (The Art of Oil)

As someone who is constantly creating stories for other people, sometimes its necessary to create one for myself- about things I am passionate about. I have always been intrigued by the tv show How It's Made. It really gives you an appreciation for all the effort that goes into producing items that we take for granted on a daily basis.

A few years ago I lost out on a video project because the ad agency said that I was, "just a car guy." The next day I called Maximilian Riedel and started down a path of filming wine glasses and manufacturing in a cinematic way- but with a story line based around history.

Next, I flew to Torino, Italy and told the manufacturing story, but also the history behind Sparco.

in 2016, I went to Granada, Spain and filmed a story about a father/son team of guitar builders. Another really fulfilling project that opened a lot of doors for me, but also had a great impact I never could have planned for. My Guitarrero film served as a visual representation of the legacy of Bernd Martin when he passed away last year after a battle with cancer. When the news of his passing spread across the internet, next to his obituary was my film. It was a sobering reminder of the power of a camera- and the importance of capturing history.

Last year I decided it was time to tell another story- one conceptualized on our vacation through Tuscany a few years prior. Inspired by the scenery, the food and the culture- a seed was planted in my mind to one day make a film about olive oil production. Last July I researched and sent out 40 emails to olive oil manufacturers all over Italy telling them my concept for the film. There were a few good fits, but the one that stood out was Olio Roi- a family run business making oil from a special olive called Taggiasca since 1890.

This is the story of the Boeri family and their unique Taggiasca olive oil.

Shot on RED Digital Cinema DSMC2 Helium with Canon CN-E and Angenieux Lenses EZ series lenses. Original music created and performed by Maneli Jamal