Banana Land: Blood, Bullets and Poison

Banana Land: Blood, Bullets and Poison delves into the dark underworld of the banana industry. It exposes the harsh reality of how bananas became, and remain, the cheapest fruit in the supermarket. The documentary examines the use of cheap pesticides, unethical treatment of workers, and infringements on basic human rights.

The film traces this sordid history back to 1899, when the United Fruit Company (UFC) was formed and monopolised the industry. The company sought investment from wealthy and powerful individuals around the world, which meant that lawmakers in Washington supported and protected the UFC.

To keep the cost of bananas low, the UFC partnered with violent regimes in Central America to suppress objections from workers. The documentary includes numerous interviews with experts who have inside knowledge of the industry. These accounts confirm that such practices set a precedent that continues today. This is an honest and shocking look into the hidden world of greed and violence that lies behind bananas.