Changing the Cup
Facing substance abuse in the service industry
5 beautiful and unique food-related must watch motion pictures
Film for Thought
Buzz about The Great British Baking Show has ruled television, but the rise of other food films challenges its fame. In the past few years, filmmakers have approached the capture of food in multiple ways, leaving their audiences smiling, questioning and hungering for more. Here are 5 food-related films to feast on.
First on the list is Abe, released in 2019. Directed by Fernando Andrade and starring Noah Schnapp, the aspiring chef of the film wishes to bring peace to the family tension in his life. Sue Jorge, a co-star, plays the child’s unlikely friend, a street chef who passes along his tips and tricks. The film exposes the cracks in relationships and how a meal can help heal those differences. Besides the mouth-watering angles of the boy’s kitchen creations, critics say the film provides a subtle yet emotionally investing perspective of a child’s dream and its impact on others. You can stream Abe on Prime Video.
Another hit of 2019 is award-winning documentary Honeyland, directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov. Taking place in North Macedonia, the film centers on Hatidže Muratova. When Muratova, one of Europe’s last wild beekeepers, attempts to practice ancient beekeeping traditions in the mountains, a family with similar intentions causes strife. The rancher and newly trained beekeeper of the family disregards Hatidže’s expert advice, resulting in colony attacks. Focusing on the decline of bee populations and, consequently, of honey, the film addresses the environmental urgency for conservation. Filled with colorful cinematography, its audience is left wondering what the future holds for bees and beekeepers alike. Honeyland is available to watch on Hulu and Apple TV.
Detailing the lives of two culinary students, director Michael Y. Lei focuses on Gustu, a cooking school and restaurant in the 2019 documentary A Taste of Sky. Aimed at teaching Bolivia’s underprivileged youth, students Kenzo and Maria Claudia arrive at the restaurant, which was founded by Danish restauranteur Claus Meyer. This film guides its viewers through the lives of these three people, ranging from Gustu’s future reputation to familial duties of marriage and farming. A goal of the film was to explore themes of family, mentorship and legacy through food, and reviews have reflected positively. You can watch A Taste of Sky on Prime Video.
Like others in the recent food industry, Chef André Chiang closed his restaurant. While this may seem like the end of the story, it’s only the beginning of the 2020 documentary André and His Olive Tree. After accomplishing his goal of becoming Taiwan’s first Michelin-starred chef, Chiang said goodbye to his restaurant in pursuit of his “perfect moment.” The film gives spotlight to coworkers, friends and family, all supporting him through his hardships. Once he announced the closure, he returned to Taiwan. Following a chef’s journey to happiness, viewers can feel the turmoil, responsibility and rewards of prioritizing the pleasures of life. André and His Olive Tree is currently on Netflix.
Coming out in 2021 is the final film of this list: Food Club. Directed by Barbara Topsøe-Rothenborg, this Danish movie is set in Italy where three lifelong friends search for a fresh outlook on life. The main characters, Marie, Berling, and Vanja, participate in a cooking course in Puglia. Through tentacles and noodles, the women learn the ups and downs of restarting their lives. The light-hearted tone of the film encounters drama, but not without new friends and lovers to accompany it. Aside from the romantic endeavors between the characters, the audience can enjoy the flirtations with food and wonders of reunion. This film is streaming on FandangoNOW and iTunes.
With themes of friendship, love, discovery and food, there is something to quench any watcher’s thirst for film. Besides the plots and scripts, the attention to cooking could make any stomach rumble. Watch a movie about bees, Italy, or olive trees – just remember to have your own snack ready first!
Communities Near You
Related Stories & Recipes