Since 1974, Martinez Hand Rolled Cigars Factory has produced some of the very finest cigars available anywhere in the world. All cigars are made by hand in a factory situated in midtown New York City.
Dominican immigrant Don Antonio Martinez opened the factory in the ‘70s and now his son Jesus who operates the cigar shop continues to honour his father’s talents, skills and memory.
In this short documentary Made by Hand: The Cigar Shop Jesus Martinez talks about the history of the factory, the cigar-making process and their approach of letting customers watch how their cigars are being rolled.
When you see a product being made by hand you appreciate it more, says Martinez.
The short film offers a glimpse into how the shop combines craftsmanship with community, mixing equal parts work and play.
A project from bureauofcommongoods.com, The Cigar Shop forms part of a new Made by Hand short film series celebrating the people who make things by hand – sustainably, locally and with a love for their craft.