A great opportunity for Colorado culinary school students, the third annual Flatirons Food Film Festival kicked off Oct. 19 in Boulder. The six-day film fest goes through Sunday, Oct. 25. The FFFF opened with a fermented food fair, a screening of “Symphony of the Soil,” and a Q & A and book signing with Sandor Katz, an acclaimed food writer who focuses on DIY fermentation. Seven new feature-length films will be shown in addition to multiple short films. There are more opportunities this year to mingle with local chefs through book signings and audience participation.
Created and launched by Julia Joun, who’s very active in the local food and film scenes, the FFFF only scratches the surface of her resume. She also writes for Black Cat Farm Table Bistro/Bramble and Hare/Black Cat Farm’s blog, makes preserves and does volunteer work PR for the International Film Series, among many other food- and film-related activities. Her interest in the International Film Series at the University of Colorado inspired her to bring her two passions together. This film festival also takes place on the CU-Boulder campus.
The full-length films being shown at FFFF include:
Symphony of the Soil: Soil plays such a crucial role in supporting the environment and life. This documentary explores this resource that’s so often overlooked.
East Side Sushi: This dramedy is about a single Latina mother who takes a position as a kitchen assistant at a Japanese restaurant and discovers her passion for making sushi despite cultural and gender differences.
Farang – The Story of Chef Andy Ricker: This documentary tells the story of Andy Ricker and his chain of restaurants, Pok Pok and his other Thai restaurants in Portland. Ricker has been praised for learning about Thailand and its cuisine, and authentically serving it in North America.
The Search for General Tso: This funny documentary explores Chinese-American food and examines the westernization of Chinese cuisine. Disguised as a mystery, director Ian Cheney searches for the infamous General Tso of General Tso’s chicken.
Deli Man: Delicatessens have become a staple across the country and this documentary delves into the history of them. Touching on Jewish culture, owners and operators and the sandwiches themselves “Deli Man” tells the behind-the-scenes story of our favorite sandwich shops.
Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective: This documentary explores environmental issues and solutions in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States through the lens of permaculture. Permaculture is a system of agricultural and design principles that intend to improve the environment.
Lunch Love Community: “Lunch Love Community” wraps up the FFFF. This series of short documentaries explain the Berkeley School Lunch Initiative and the school food reform movement. There will be a discussion following between panel speakers and the audience about the Boulder Valley School District Food Project and the progress in reforming school lunches in the Boulder area.
View the entire film schedule here.
