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Beer Wars is a 2009 documentary film that explores the American beer industry and the battle between the country's small independent breweries and the giant multinational corporations that dominate the market. The film was directed, produced, and written by Anat Baron. The movie features interviews with a wide range of experts and personalities from the beer industry, including retailers, brewmasters, independent brewers, and industry analysts.

The film begins with an introduction to the beer industry in America and the history of the country's brewing tradition. It then delves into the current state of the industry, with a particular focus on the dominance of the so-called "Big Three" brewers: Anheuser-Busch, Miller, and Coors. These three companies control more than 80% of the US beer market, which puts independent brewers in a difficult position.

The film then turns its attention to the challenges faced by small independent breweries, including the difficulty of getting their products into retail stores and bars, and the complex and often restrictive distribution system that favors the large breweries. The film illustrates how these challenges make it difficult for small breweries to succeed and compete with the large corporations.

The movie then explores the rise of a new generation of brewers, who are challenging the status quo and seeking to break the stranglehold of the big corporations. These small brewers are passionate about their craft and are creating unique, artisanal beers that are gaining a following among consumers who are looking for new and interesting flavors.

One of the central figures in the film is Sam Calagione, the founder of the independent brewery Dogfish Head. Calagione is shown travelling across the country, meeting with other independent brewers and sharing his experiences and insights into the industry. He is presented as a passionate advocate for the independent beer industry and a charismatic spokesperson for the movement.

Another key figure in the film is Greg Koch, the founder of Stone Brewing. Koch is presented as an outspoken critic of the big beer corporations and a champion of independent breweries. He is shown engaging in heated debates with representatives of the big corporations, demonstrating his commitment to promoting independent brewers and their products.

The film also explores the political side of the beer industry, highlighting the powerful lobbying efforts of the big corporations and their impact on government policies and regulations. The independent breweries are shown as being at a disadvantage in this arena, due to their limited resources and lack of political clout.

Throughout the movie, the filmmakers use eye-catching graphics and animations to illustrate key concepts and statistics, making it engaging and easy to understand. The film also features compelling footage of the brewing process, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the most innovative beers in the industry.

Overall, Beer Wars is an informative and engaging documentary that shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by independent breweries in America. It presents a compelling case for the importance of supporting small independent brewers and the positive impact they can have on the beer industry and the wider economy.

Beer Wars is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.