About the Film

When filmmaker Joel Sacramento moved to Wisconsin, he began hearing the jokes, the statistics, and the reputation: “drinking is just different here.” What started as casual curiosity quickly led to deeper questions. Why is alcohol so central to the state’s identity? How did this culture take root—and what keeps it thriving?

Wisconsin On Tap follows Joel’s journey beyond the data, into the histories, traditions, and personal stories that have woven drinking culture into the state’s identity.

From roadside taverns and supper clubs to barns, town fairs, and church festivals, the film captures the spirit of a community—in all its contradictions, celebrations, and changes. The data is just the starting point. The real story is written in the voices of everyday Wisconsinites.

The Spirit Behind the Stats

About the Filmmaker

Joel Sacramento is an award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, and founder of Meter Studio. A lifelong Midwesterner, his work spans commercials, travel shows, social-issue documentaries, and animation.

His recent short film Awakening Wanda won Best Regional Film at the Beloit International Film Festival. He has also contributed to acclaimed feature documentaries including The Atomic States of America (Sundance) and Make Believe (LA Film Fest, internationally screened).

Joel is currently based in Dane County, Wisconsin.

Contact

For inquiries, collaboration, or story leads, contact Joel at:
meterstudio@gmail.com