Beer Is Art Announces New Cinematic Documentary on Beer Brewing

Beer Is Art is proud to announce the release of its new cinematic documentary film, a vivid exploration of beer culture that spans from the industrial breweries of New York to the ancestral brewing traditions of South Africa. Filmed over several months, the documentary captures both the artistry and the science behind beer, revealing the deep roots of brewing and the modern innovations shaping its future.

At the heart of South African brewing lies sorghum, the grain that forms the DNA of traditional African beer. The film opens with powerful, intimate scenes of African women crafting sorghum beer the same way their ancestors did—by hand, over fire, in community. These traditional sequences are interwoven with contrasting scenes of modern, precision-driven brewing using equipment like the grainfather system. Through this visual cross-play, the documentary shows how ancient methods and contemporary technology coexist, influence one another, and enrich the world of brewing.

The film takes viewers inside the technical craft of beer production. Using cinematic close-ups and expert narration, it showcases the ALEX Machine, a specialized instrument used by brewers to measure alcohol content, density, specific gravity, and original extract. Rather than teaching viewers step-by-step instructions, the documentary reveals how such tools shape a brewer's understanding of liquid, flavor, and fermentation.

Another crucial element of the brewing process explored in the film is Becogur powder, a clarifying agent that helps remove haze, proteins, and other suspended particles from beer. Through slow-motion footage of boiling wort and the formation of the hot break, the documentary dives into the science of clarity, texture, and the transformation of raw ingredients into a refined drink.

Viewers will witness beer being crafted from scratch to finish, including a rare and detailed portrayal of traditional Setswana beer brewing—an artistry seldom captured on film. The documentary culminates with an appearance by Obakeng Malope, founder of Beer Is Art, who explains the mission behind the movement: to equip young adults (21+) with knowledge of beer brewing, licensing, brand creation, podcasting, and pathways to becoming a cicerone. Malope highlights the importance of accessible education for people whose daily lives leave them little time for formal brewing schools.

The film also includes a special culinary segment featuring a professional chef crafting an entire dish from scratch: Birria with Green Mole, accompanied by spiced corn ribs, pickled onion, and tortilla chips. This dish is paired onscreen with the sorghum-infused lager featured earlier in the documentary, illustrating the intimate relationship between beer and food. Expert commentary explains why certain beers complement certain flavors—for example, how the bright carbonation of a lager enhances light dishes like grilled chicken, salads, shrimp cocktail, soft pretzels, and fresh cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese, and mild cheddar.

The documentary contrasts this with richer pairings, discussing why lamb, with its natural fattiness, often pairs well with a stout—though in the case of the Birria, the bold character of a stout would overpower the delicate spices created by blending chiles, tomatoes, onions, cinnamon, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, cloves, and other aromatics. This sensory exploration demonstrates how beer, like wine, must be thoughtfully matched to a meal.

Through sweeping cinematography, authentic cultural storytelling, and an honest look at both heritage and innovation, this documentary film invites viewers to experience beer not merely as a beverage but as a craft, a science, and an art form.

Beer Is Art's new documentary is a celebration of beer's past, present, and future—captured for the screen with depth, beauty, and purpose.