Support Voice of Vanilla - Honor Madagascar Vanilla Farmers

The Project

Voice of Vanilla is an independent documentary film set in a remote region of Madagascar, home to the world’s largest supply of natural vanilla—and to the farmers who grow it under increasing economic and climate stress.

Through intimate, on-the-ground interviews, this film gives voice to the farmers whose labor sustains a global industry, yet whose stories are almost never heard.

Why This Matters

Most people have no idea where their vanilla comes from—or what it costs the people who grow it. Madagascar vanilla farmers face extreme weather, price volatility, and growing global demand… but their perspectives are rarely represented in Western media.

This documentary aims to change that by giving farmers the space to share their views—in their own words.

Why I’m Fundraising

The film is shot, and I’ve been working to complete a 30-minute version of the documentary by the end of this year. But one critical piece remains: finalizing the translations.

The interviews were conducted in Malagasy, and while I previously hired translators, I recently learned that many of the translations were inaccurate. The language was technically correct—but the meaning was lost. The translators didn’t fully understand the nuance of English to translate the stories with the dignity and clarity they deserve.

That’s why I’ve asked Eliso, a Malagasy native from the vanilla-growing region who also studied in the U.S., to complete the final translations. He has both the cultural insight and language fluency to make sure these voices are honored.

But he needs to be paid for his time.

What Your Contribution Supports

Your donation will go directly to:

100% of the money raised will go toward paying Eliso for translating and quality-checking all interviews,

Ensuring that the farmers’ voices are accurately, respectfully, and powerfully translated for a global audience.

The Bigger Picture

This film is more than a documentary—it's part of a larger mission to center underrepresented voices, elevate global awareness, and model what's possible when we tell human stories with depth and care.

By helping finish Voice of Vanilla, you’re helping open a window into a world most people never see—and helping ensure that the people behind your favorite flavor are finally heard.

Thank you for supporting this work.

If you're unable to contribute financially, sharing the link and spreading the word makes a big difference.

With deep gratitude,

Maureen