A young cigar roller in Nicaragua dreams of building a cigar empire - but he'll need to start in Grandma's garage.

In Estelí, Nicaragua, the whole culture and economy revolves around tobacco. Nicaraguan tobacco is often revered as the best in the world for both its strength and depth of flavors, with a variety of styles being made right in Esteli.

Master Roller Raul Lanuza has been making cigars since his father taught him at a young age. He grew up poor but he had a talent and quickly worked his way up rolling cigars for some of the biggest names in the cigar world - and now he's decided to start his own cigar brand - Lanuza Cigar Brand. Built around the history of Nicaragua, Raul dreams of making cigars that completely represent the heart and soul of his country.

His is a story of persistence. Many people told him it would be impossible to start his own brand and to compete in an industry dominated by huge companies with foreign investment. But it's something that he always told himself he would do:

"I believe the world is for the crazy people; but we are the crazy ones who will achieve the goals we have." - Raul Lanuza

Directed/Edited by Vern Moen
Sound by Chip Knechtel
Graphic Design by David Hill
Produced by David Hill, Chip Knechtel, Vern Moen
Colorist: Grim Lovelis
A Hug Club Cigars Film
Production Company: Long Beach Film Company

Filmed on location in Estelí, Nicaragua on Sony FX6 cameras.

Lanuza Cigars
https://lanuza-cigars.company.site/

Hug Club Cigars
www.instagram.com/hug_club_cigars

Long Beach Film Company
www.longbeachfilimcompany.com