“The Theory of Spice,” a new, visually-stunning short film series narrated by Academy Award-, Emmy-, and multiple Grammy-Award winning artist Jon Batiste alongside Grammy-winner Rizo, and featuring original music from Grammy-winner Gaby Moreno, unearths the stories and vibrant personalities of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger.
“The Theory of Spice” is directed by Gilly Barnes and produced by Straight From The Source Studios, The Yogi Foundation’s in-house storytelling arm. Premiering December 5, 2025, at 8 PM EST, the film will launch on Documentary+ across 70 countries via Samsung TV Plus, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, and more, and on the Yogi Foundation’s website.
“I’m honored to lend my voice to this series because it’s more than a story about ingredients—it’s a story about people, culture, and connection,” said Jon Batiste. “Traveling through India, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala, we’re uncovering traditions and histories that deserve to be celebrated. As a musician, I’m always searching for connection and soul in unexpected places, and this series captures that spirit beautifully.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with The Yogi Foundation to feature ‘The Theory of Spice.’ At Documentary+, we seek out films that showcase distinctive voices and cinematic approaches, and this one truly stands out,” said Documentary+ CEO, Geoff Clark. “Director Gilly Barnes masterfully captures the spirit and culture of these extraordinary communities, enhanced by riveting narration and an evocative original score that makes the film unforgettable.”
The series transports viewers on a journey through India, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala, to bring these ingredients’ hidden cultures, communities, and histories to life.
Cardamom
Cardamom became a lifeline for a small community in the mountains of Guatemala following the ravages of a 40-year civil war, bringing much-needed economic renewal to the region. Told through the words of an original song by Grammy-winning Guatemalan artist Gaby Moreno, the film shares the story of a town, its people, and their quest to thrive — culminating in the crowning of a Cardamom Queen.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has long been mythologized, carrying with it a sense of mystery about its origins and journey to our kitchen tables. The film traces both the layered history of this intricate agricultural practice and the literal layers of bark that farmers skillfully cut through to harvest the spice.
Ginger
Ginger is depicted as a mighty force; a strength-giving root that traces its origins back to the time of Confucius. In addition to exploring the places where ginger grows and the people who grow it, the film introduces audiences to different rituals of strength practiced in these regions, and the power this plant can provide.
“We are honored to have worked with grower communities around the world to capture the stories, sounds, and images in ‘The Theory of Spice'” said Lauren Wood, President of The Yogi Foundation. “We hope to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about where our food comes from and the communities whose lives and futures are intertwined with it.”
The films are the first original commission by The Yogi Foundation, the nonprofit organization established by Yogi Tea. The Foundation supports projects in grower communities and in the creative, science, and technology sectors. Its vision is to make philanthropy a catalyst for new systems rooted in relationship, reciprocity, and care—demonstrating what’s possible when communities and ideas come together.
