Blind Ambition. Not something that you associate with wine perhaps. Yet, welcome to The World Wine Blind Tasting Championships. And just what it means to four young men.

If you liked Red Obsession, as I did, you will be pleased to know that some of the Australian based team have created a new film. While Red Obsession portrayed some of the most wealthy people in the world and their love of wine, this film is centred on four Zimbabwean refugees that are doing what they love. Four stellar sommeliers.

The synopsis is:

“Winner of the Audience Award at Tribeca Film Festival and Sydney Film Festival, BLIND AMBITION is the inspiring story of four Zimbabwean refugees who conquered the odds to become South Africa’s top sommeliers. Driven by relentless optimism, a passion for their craft and unshakeable national pride, they form Zimbabwe’s first ever wine tasting team and set their sights on the coveted title of ‘World Wine Tasting Champions’. From the moment they arrive in France to compete, this team of mavericks turns an establishment of privilege and tradition on its head. A truly uplifting documentary that celebrates just how irrepressible the human spirit can be.”

The directors have said ‘We felt compelled to discover more about their journey and what drove them. It would be an opportunity to follow JOSEPH, PARDON, TINASHE and MARLVIN on their quest against great odds. And to tell a story that could shed light on the lives of refugees, the challenges they face in their new communities, and what “home” means to someone who has been driven out of their country of birth. And we felt strongly their story spoke to the wider quest to break down barriersand bridge cultural and racial divides.’

I am looking forward too seeing it soon. However, I do want to give thanks also to Jancis Robinson for bringing this team’s spirit to the director’s attention.

Details:

Blind Ambition
Directed by Rob Coe & Warwick Ross
Release date: 3rd March 2022

See madmanfilms for more details.