Coffee and the coffee ceremony are among the most recognizable expressions of Ethiopian culture. On location at the Burka Gudina coffee farm in Limu Genet, Ethiopia, I directed and filmed a short brand story capturing the people, process, and ritual that define the birthplace of coffee.

This project was part of a branding and storytelling initiative for Mud Hut Coffee, a small import company I co-founded to share authentic coffee experiences with the world. The goal was to highlight not just the product, but the human stories behind it: the farmers, families, and traditions that sustain Ethiopia’s coffee heritage.

Through a combination of documentary storytelling and brand strategy, we built a visual identity rooted in authenticity, community, and culture. The film’s tone, pacing, and imagery were designed to honor the daily rhythm of Ethiopian life and celebrate the deep emotional connection between people and coffee.