Hugh Jackman, Deborra-lee Furness and World Vision share a dream in New York

Friday, June 5, 2015

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World Vision Australia in partnership with ambassadors Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness are currently launching documentary film Dukale’s Dream at a red carpet event in New York.

Dukale’s Dream documents the six-year journey that Hugh and Deborra-lee embarked upon after travelling to Ethiopia with World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello in order to better understand how to make an impact on extreme poverty.

While visiting the country’s Yirgacheffe region, the birthplace of coffee, Hugh and Deborra-lee were inspired by 27 year-old coffee farmer Dukale and his wife Adanech, who were working with World Vision to lift their family out of poverty.

Hugh Jackman said that experiencing life in rural Ethiopia was a rewarding and eye-opening experience for both him and Deborra-lee, and that through premiering Dukale’s Dream they were proud to highlight the challenges faced by farmers like Dukale.

“Going to Ethiopia with World Vision and meeting Dukale taught Deb and me what a difference fair trade makes to the income of farmers, and consequently their ability to break the cycle of poverty,” said Mr Jackman.

“When we got back to the US after meeting Dukale, we couldn’t just talk about him, we had to do something and that’s why we founded Laughing Man Tea & Coffee.”

Laughing Man buys fair trade coffee and tea from co-ops including Dukale’s and sells the products from their two Manhattan-based cafes. Their most popular blend is the Dukale’s Dream roast.

Deborra-lee Furness said that the couple’s connection to Ethiopia was one that would last a lifetime.
 
“When we set off I didn’t know what to expect – the reality of Dukale and Hugh’s lives are worlds apart,” Deborra-lee said. “But when we spent time with his family, heard that all he wanted for their kids was the chance at a better future – we shared a common bond. 

“Through the film, we’re honoured to have been able to partner with World Vision Australia to shed light on both the challenges and the change that can impact people like Dukale, who work tirelessly to provide their families with what all of us want - a positive and secure future.”

World Vision Australia’s acting chief executive, Leigh Cameron, said that Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness’ dedication to launch Dukale’s Dream had been invaluable in drawing the world’s attention to fair trade issues.

“World Vision Australia is excited to share in this proud moment with our ambassadors Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness, and to see the world’s reaction to this incredibly engaging film,” Mr Cameron said.

“Dukale’s Dream demonstrates the impact that simple changes to our daily routines, such as switching your morning coffee to a fair trade alternative, can have in alleviating poverty and its causes.”

Following the global premiere of Dukale’s Dream in New York, a launch date for the film in Australia will be announced later this year.

For more information, visit the Dukale’s Dream page on World Vision Australia’s website.

The premiere of Dukale’s Dream is taking place now in New York on Thursday 4 June at 7pm EST.  Photos will be available on the wire today from approximately 11am AEST.  World Vision will also have additional photos and footage available later today. 

Media Contact: Jessica Ciccotelli / 0402 971 225 / jessica.ciccotelli@worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Poverty, Africa, Africa, Deborra-Lee Furness, East Africa, Ethiopia, Hugh Jackman, Tim Costello

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