Soil to Soul

What do a Mexican winegrower, two Tunisian innovators, a Spanish shopkeeper, and a diasporic daughter have in common? Olives. A Palestinian-American woman sets out not just to tell their stories, but to make sense of her own inheritance. As she travels across continents, she meets growers and visionaries reclaiming and reimagining olive cultivation - uncovering a story of connection to land, memory, and the hunger to belong.

Emna sets out on a journey that begins with something familiar: olives, a staple she never questioned, and finds a world of untold stories. Through the voices of those shaping its future, this documentary unveils how one fruit connects people across borders, histories, and struggles. From hidden groves in Baja California to moonlit harvests in Andalusia, Soil to Soul captures the human stories behind olive oil’s past and the revolution that will define its future. 

  • Mexico.

    Can you redefine an industry when history says you don’t belong?

    In a region where olive oil production was nearly wiped out by Spanish colonial policies, Hugo is working to revive a forgotten tradition while boldly forging something new. With roots outside the industry and limited resources, Hugo is driven not by legacy, but by vision. He’s already earned recognition in the wine world, but olive oil remains his next frontier. His journey is about more than cultivating a crop: it’s about reclaiming erased histories and reshaping the future of Mexican olive oil. In doing so, Hugo challenges the idea that heritage is inherited, proving instead that passion and persistence can define a new legacy.

  • Tunisia.

    What does it take to transform tradition into a global force for change?

    Hatem and Youssef embody a new generation of olive oil producers who blend deep respect for tradition with bold innovation. While rooted in centuries-old practices, they are pushing the industry forward with scientific techniques and a vision for global recognition. At a time when many young Tunisians leave in search of opportunity, they’re working to revitalize their homeland by turning olive oil from a commodity into a source of pride, prosperity, and possibility. Their story is one of evolution, proving that honoring the past means building a future shaped by those who stay.

  • Spain. (And Palestine).

    Can you redefine an industry when history says you don’t belong?

    In Spain, Alba stands at the intersection of ethics, sustainability, and innovation. She is not content with simply running a boutique that sells ethically sourced products; she is determined to reshape the global narrative surrounding olive oil. Through her work, Alba aims to take Spain’s vast expertise in olive oil production and channel it into a more inclusive and equitable global market.

  • Alba’s vision extends beyond Spanish borders: she sees an opportunity to empower Palestinian farmers by helping them refine their production techniques and bringing their olive oil to a wider audience. Her work becomes an act of cultural diplomacy as she builds a bridge between Spain and Palestine, one that not only supports Palestinian farmers economically but also fosters a deeper, more meaningful connection between their stories and the global market.