The 2026 Food Film Menu, IGCAT’s acclaimed showcase of short films celebrating food culture and sustainability, took center stage at Slow Food International’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, aligning with this year’s summit theme of empowering youth through gastronomy. The event sparked a vital conversation about the role of young creators, producers, and innovators in shaping a sustainable food future.
This year’s edition saw an unprecedented response, with over 100 submissions from filmmakers around the world, each offering a unique perspective on global food cultures. A prestigious international jury evaluated the entries, selecting the most compelling films to represent the 2026 collection. The selected works were screened at Cinema Romano, where they captivated an audience of over 30 participants, including a third of attendees under the age of 35.
Discussions emphasized how audiovisual storytelling can amplify the visibility of young voices in gastronomy, from emerging producers to culinary innovators. The event highlighted the growing demand for fresh, impactful content that resonates with younger audiences and ensures that food traditions remain vibrant and relevant. Following the screening, Matilde Ferreira and Luna Graziottin led a compelling discussion on the urgent need to elevate youth representation in food systems, reinforcing the idea that young people are not just the future but the driving force behind today’s gastronomic evolution.
Further reflections from the session will be shared by Esteban Tapia, representative of Comunidad Slow Food Amawta Kawsay, at the 2nd World Gastronomy Summit in Manabí, Ecuador. For more details, visit foodfilmmenu.org.
