Barista is a 2015 American documentary film directed by Rock Baijnauth. The film follows five baristas, as they prepare for the 2013 United States Barista Championship. It is the first in a series. Viewers are introduced into the elevation of the everyday drink, into a craft culture not unlike that of beer and wine. The film was acquired for distribution by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
The film follows four baristas preparing for the 2013 United States Barista Championship. Eden-Marie Abramowicz, Charlie Habegger, Truman Severson and Ryan Redden obsess over every detail when it comes to extracting the perfect cup of coffee. As the film progresses, the makers add a fifth personality, Los Angeles-based Charles Babinski, who decides to compete.
Babinski, who has endorsement deals with a major coffee brand, becomes the dominant personality. His cockiness provides a stark contrast to the humble obsessiveness of the other four personalities.
In 2019, the sequel to Barista, Baristas was released and was distributed by The Orchard.