All In This Tea (2007)

In the heart of the 1990s, we find David Lee Hoffman, a Californian importer with an insatiable thirst for the world's finest teas. Carrying the wisdom of his youthful years spent in Asia, where he sipped tea with the revered Dali Lama, Hoffman embarks on an adventurous quest through the vast landscapes of China. His mission is not just to discover but to introduce to the U.S., the most exquisite tea, handpicked and hand-processed with utmost care. Hoffman's journey doesn't confine him to the boundaries of farms; instead, it immerses him in a world teeming with Chinese scientists, ambitious business people, and influential government officials. His passion lies not in the mass-produced, factory-made beverages, but in tea grown organically, embracing the essence of the earth, rejecting the high-yield mentality. By the dawn of 2004, Hoffman's relentless pursuit bears fruit. Farmers' collectives are now trading tea, "boutique tea" from China finds its way across the seas, and there is a budding appreciation in China for organic farming's greatest ally - the humble earthworm. "All In This Tea" (2007) is a stirring tale of one man's journey to celebrate the traditional art of tea-making, honoring the earth and its blessings.

All In This Tea is a documentary movie directed by Les Blank.

All In This Tea is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.