Hand Rolled: A Film About Cigars

by Nick Hemstreet, Last Draw Podcast

Jesse Mariut and Steve Gherebean had a mission: to film a documentary about the history and culture of the premium handmade cigar industry. However, their journey was not easy, and they faced many challenges along the way. This is the story of how two filmmakers took on an unconventional project and created a successful documentary that resonated with cigar smokers all over the world.

The adventure began with a long layover in a Central American airport, where Jesse and Steve were guarding their videography gear worth a small fortune. With 14 large bags tied to their limbs and a $50,000 camera as a pillow, they were on their way to one of the many countries known for producing fine cigars. They were determined to capture the essence of the people who make hand-rolled cigars and bring their passion to the screen.

Cigar content had predominantly been print-heavy since Cigar Aficionado magazine was first published in 1992. Jesse and Steve were venturing into mostly unexplored territory, but they had experience filming commercials and other mainstream media. They set out to create a documentary that would showcase the industry and the people behind it.

Their journey began in Nicaragua at Puro Sabor, The Nicaraguan Cigar Festival. With few contacts in the industry, they were eager to capture conversations with some of the greatest minds in the cigar world. Once they earned the trust of key players in the industry, the word got around, and a slew of interviews commenced. Nicaragua was just the first location in a multitude of adventures that would take them to the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Cuba.

This project led them not only to cigar makers and blenders but also to influencers and unexpected artists along the way. They interviewed most of the top cigar brand presidents and founders of the cigar world. Through their interviews, they discovered the rich history and long family lineages that built some of the most iconic cigars that we still enjoy today.

One of the biggest challenges for the filmmakers was finding a narrator for the film. One day, they were smoking cigars with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje at the Grand Havana Room, a historic cigar club in Los Angeles. While they were smoking, actor Peter Weller, who played Robocop, walked in. With the help and persuasion of the Tatuaje founder, they approached Peter, and he agreed to narrate the film under the condition that it took place in the Grand Havana Room.

One of the biggest challenges for the filmmakers was finding a narrator for the film. One day, they were smoking cigars with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje at the Grand Havana Room, a historic cigar club in Los Angeles. While they were smoking, actor Peter Weller, who played Robocop, walked in. With the help and persuasion of the Tatuaje founder, they approached Peter, and he agreed to narrate the film under the condition that it took place in the Grand Havana Room

Peter Weller turned out to be a long-time jazz musician, so they set up a pillow-lined closet to dampen outside noise, and Peter read the script for the film before playing a jazz set at the club immediately afterward. This unexpected turn of events made for a unique and memorable experience.

After months of filming, Jesse and Steve had gathered a wealth of footage and interviews. They worked tirelessly to edit and refine the material into a compelling documentary that would captivate audiences. Hand Rolled was born, a documentary that would go on to win multiple awards and become a love letter to the cigar industry.

Hand Rolled struck a chord with cigar smokers worldwide, navigating current cigar industry regulations and exploring the history and culture behind cigars. The film showcased the passion and dedication of those who make hand-rolled cigars, and it resonated with viewers who share that passion.

The story of Jesse Mariut and Steve Gherebean is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. They took on an unconventional project, and faced many challenges along the way, but ultimately created a successful documentary that captured the essence of the premium handmade cigar industry. Hand Rolled is a tribute to the people who make hand-rolled cigars and the rich history and culture behind them. It is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Photos by Hand Rolled

About The Author

Nick Hemstreet is a professional artist living in Denver, Colorado and the host of Last Draw Podcast. A podcast exploring all things cigars as well as having conversations with industry leaders and influencers.