Czech Filmmaker Brings the Story of Kratom to Europe

In recent years, interest in kratom has grown far beyond Southeast Asia and the United States. One of the most interesting voices helping to tell the story of this botanical in Europe is filmmaker Libor Cingr.

Cingr is a Czech documentary director who became widely known for creating the film The Kratom Collectors, a documentary that explores how kratom moved from traditional use in Southeast Asia into modern global culture. The film has become particularly popular in Central Europe, where curiosity around kratom has grown rapidly in recent years.

Who Is Libor Cingr?

Libor Cingr is part of a new generation of European documentary filmmakers interested in exploring emerging cultural and scientific topics. He studied film and media in the Czech Republic and began working on documentaries that focus on social issues, science, and global trade.

What makes Cingr’s work interesting is his approach: rather than presenting a one-sided narrative, he focuses on investigation and dialogue. His films often ask questions like:

• Where do products really come from?

• How do global supply chains shape modern culture?

• What role should science play in guiding policy and public opinion?

Those questions made kratom a fascinating subject for him.

The Documentary: The Kratom Collectors

Cingr’s documentary The Kratom Collectors follows the journey of kratom from its roots in Southeast Asia to its growing presence in Europe.

The film examines multiple parts of the kratom ecosystem, including:

• Traditional harvesting of kratom leaves in Indonesia

• The international trade that brings kratom to Western markets

• Scientists studying kratom’s alkaloids

• Consumers exploring plant-based alternatives for wellness and balance

Instead of focusing only on controversy or headlines, the film looks at the entire lifecycle of the plant from farm to consumer.

One of the key themes of the documentary is how natural plants often sit at the intersection of culture, science, and regulation.

Why this Film Matters

In the Czech Republic and across Central Europe, kratom has become an important topic of discussion. Governments, researchers, and consumers are all trying to better understand the plant.

Cingr’s documentary helped bring this conversation into the public spotlight by presenting a deeper look at the botanical itself and the people connected to it.

For many viewers, the film was their first opportunity to learn about:

• The botanical origins of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

• The plant’s unique alkaloids, including mitragynine

• The farmers and supply chains that support global demand

• The ongoing scientific interest in this traditional plant

By combining interviews, field footage, and research perspectives, the film helped audiences see kratom as more than just a product—it’s part of a much larger story.

ETHA’s Perspective

At ETHA, we believe education is essential when it comes to botanical products. The more people understand about where plants come from, how they are grown, and how they are studied, the better decisions they can make.

Projects like The Kratom Collectors help bring awareness to the global journey of kratom and the communities connected to it.

As interest in plant-based wellness continues to grow around the world, thoughtful conversations, supported by science, transparency, and responsible sourcing, will continue to shape the future of this remarkable botanical.

And the coolest part. A second documentary is in production and your favorite kratom manufacturer will be a pivotal character. We will keep you posted as things develop and we have more ETAs and access to trailers.