SmoKings

The small company and the giant opponent.

The Messina brothers build Yesmoke into a challenge to the tobacco establishment. After selling cigarettes online, they face a $550 million lawsuit and respond by creating their own factory outside Turin.

Michele Fornasero follows the confrontation as it moves between entrepreneurship, legal pressure, and the power of a global industry. The documentary finds suspense and dark humor in its real protagonists. Andrea is credited as executive producer.

Independent production, international circulation.

SmoKings had its world premiere at Visions du Réel in 2014 and received the C-side post-production Prize. The film was produced by Indyca and Ventura Film, in association with ma.ja.de. and in co-production with RSI.

Its international life continued through Deckert Distribution, with Italian distribution by Indyca in collaboration with I Wonder Pictures.

Visions du Réel · 2014

World premiere · C-side post-production Prize