The Monk of Mokha

"The Monk of Mokha" tells the incredible true story of Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a young Yemeni American man from San Francisco who embarks on an ambitious quest to resurrect Yemen's ancient coffee industry. Dissatisfied with his mundane job as a doorman, Mokhtar uncovers the rich, often forgotten history of coffee, tracing its origins back to Yemen. Inspired, he dedicates himself to bringing Yemeni coffee to the global stage, envisioning a future where farmers in his ancestral homeland can reclaim their legacy. He travels to Yemen, navigating its rugged mountains and remote farms, connecting with beleaguered yet resilient growers. However, his mission is abruptly jeopardized when civil war erupts, trapping him in Sana'a amidst Saudi airstrikes and escalating violence. Mokhtar must ingeniously plot his escape from the war-torn country, all while safeguarding his meticulously sourced coffee beans and his profound commitment to his people and their heritage. This is a powerful narrative of ambition, cultural pride, and extraordinary perseverance against seemingly insurmountable odds.