A mouth-watering journey across the colours and flavours of awarded, candidate and nominated World/European Regions of Gastronomy, IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu 2022 has been officially announced!
After evaluating over 50 short film submissions, a jury of international experts in the food, culture and film sectors elected 10 category winners that will permanently form part of the Food Film Menu 2022, to be toured and screened in different film festivals across the globe.
Every year, the competition invites directors from around the world to share inspiring food stories from their regions by creatively depicting local food products; recipes; food producers; chefs; food traditions; food innovations; food techniques and practises; food landscapes; or built heritage related to regional gastronomy.
Following the jury shortlisting of the category winners, IGCAT launched an online people’s choice vote (26-30 September) to select the Public’s Favourite European Films (3rd, 2nd and 1st prize) and Public’s Favourite World Films (3rd, 2nd and 1st prize). The overall winners of the Food Film Menu 2022 will be announced at the 9th Annual IGCAT Experts Meeting on Engaging Young Minds on 20 October 2022.
Watch the category winners of IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu 2022:
Best Food Film showcasing the European Regions of Gastronomy
Home of Nordic Flavours from Trondheim-Trøndelag, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022
Directed by Talon Darren Winsnes, this short film shows how, despite the harsh conditions created by the local nature, the region of Trøndelag is “a prime location for first class produce,” also thanks to its hard-working people, driven by their passion for providing excellent products.
“Home of Nordic Flavours has a strong narrative and well-edited images that strongly present the harsh natural landscape of Trondheim-Trøndelag, European Region of Gastronomy 2022. It amply demonstrates how the hard work of local food producers have shaped the high-quality gastronomy found in this region. Well story-boarded and the narrator enhanced the storytelling. Home of Nordic Flavours shows that the region is diverse, unexpected, different, rich, with its own cultural vibes, that are portrayed through the attitude and enthusiasm of its people.” – Lina Al-Khaled (Jordan), Jury Member
Best Food Film showcasing the European Young Chefs
Lakani from South Aegean, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2019
Directed by Savvas Manousakis, “Lakani is the presentation video of young chef Andreas Dermatis who represented South Aegean 2019 and won 2nd Prize at the European Young Chef Award 2021 competition. This short film aims to pay tribute to the agricultural and cultural wealth of the South Aegean Region.”
“Lakani features the passing of knowledge from one generation to another. The overall cinematography is impeccable and colour grading amazing. The story shows the connection between food and nature, and tradition into modern life, bringing in not just the old recipes, but the whole tools, smells and senses that go into a whole new creation.” – Mai Damgaard Rasmussen (Denmark), Jury Member
Best Food Film on Food-related Visitor Experiences from the Regions of Gastronomy
Welcome to the Farm / Les Cabres d’en Peyu from Catalonia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2016
Directed by Karavan Films, Les Cabres d’en Peyu (Peyu’s Goats) is part of a series of short videos about small “producers in Catalonia who open the doors of their home to share their work in the field, pasture, farm or workshops” to show how the food we eat is produced and reaches our tables.
“Welcome to the Farm / Les Cabres d’en Peyu is a video that stands out because these two young farmers started the farm from zero (not having inherited the farm but rather making a lifestyle choice). It is also about quality and environmentally friendly production and tells about how natural farming can have other benefits such as, when the goats clear forests and help prevent forest fires or, how local products contribute to circular economies. The filming was good with a very focussed story. The editing is excellent with interesting glitchy overlays.” – Raúl Torres (Colombia), Jury Member
Best Food Film on Food Gifts from the Regions of Gastronomy
A Million Food Stories – Honey from Coimbra Region, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021-22
Directed by Tiago Cerveira and produced by the CIM Região de Coimbra, this short film is “part of a series of 8 short thematic documentaries that shows the richness and diversity of Coimbra Region’s gastronomy,” and focuses on local “honey with Protected Designation of Origin.”
“A Million Food Stories – Honey is an excellently filmed documentary that relates the importance of bees and honey. It also explains the role of a cooperative in supporting bee farmers, providing science, research and sustaining quality expected from the geographical indicator label. It then links to the gastronomic scene in Coimbra Region as European Region of Gastronomy 2021-2022, and shows a Chef Ambassador for the region demonstrating the versatility of honey and honey-related products such as pollen. Very good lighting on interview shots and beautiful product shots.” – Diane Dodd Phd (United Kingdom/Spain), Jury Member
Best Food Film showcasing New Food Trends
The Wild Farmer from Trondheim-Trøndelag, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022
Directed by Esten Hoffmann, this short film follows “Jim Aandré Stene, on his scavenger hunt in the Norwegian wilderness. Mr. Stene, who is the Wild Farmer, invites the audience into a world of wonders, as he tells the story of how he is making a living out of gathering wild ingredients for restaurants all over Norway.”
“The Wild Farmer is a beautiful short film depicting what is undoubtedly the biggest new food trend in recent years… foraging. The film highlights the possibility to source products from what nature provides us and the importance of discovering new species. The film then connects to Trondheim-Trøndelag, European Region of Gastronomy 2022’s inspiring gastronomic scene and shows how natural products are transformed by a talented chefs ambassador into an amazing gastronomic experience. Good variety of film angles and excellent colour grading. The Wild Farmer shows the passion that comes into creating unforgettable culinary experiences while preserving the natural environment.” – Lina Al-Khaled (Jordan), Jury Member
Best Food Film showcasing Environment, Sustainability and Food
Little Green Secrets of the Locals from Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021
Directed by Peter Kleva, this short film is part of “a series of 10 promotional videos that humorously highlight how tourists (and locals) should behave in Izola (Slovenia) to respect sustainable practices.”
“Little Green Secrets of the Locals is a short, quirky and comical film that both highlights the beautiful countryside and organic fruit farms that you can find in Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy 2021 as well as transmits a humorous message for visitors about respecting the local environment and economy. Appealing colours, well-acted and joyful. A great way to connect with the public. Good choice of music, film shots, excellent transitions and amazing sound design!” – Lluis Valentí (Catalonia, Spain), Jury Member
Best Food Film showing Young Farmers and Fishermen
Sa Caseta de Vorera from Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022
Directed by Gilbert Gonzalez Valdivia, Sa Caseta da Vorera (The Little House on the Shore) is a short fictional film that tells the story of “Francina and Joan, two young Menorcans, who want to make their way into adult life doing what they like most: cooking and fishing.”
“Sa Caseta de Vorera is a fictional film with a beautiful narrative about two young people starting their own businesses in Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy 2022. This film won my heart! A magnificent story where we found youth, education, apprenticeships, friendship, support, sharing and all related to gastronomy and fishing. Particularly nice to see how this film could encourage young men and women to take up fishing as a lifestyle choice and this was the objective of this category. The film contains inspiring images and music, is beautifully edited and connects well to the island’s famous gastronomy. Sound design and colours were excellent. Storyboarding and design of shots are brilliant. Good lighting design. Overall a great production that delivers emotion. Superb!” – Mai Damgaard Rasmussen (Denmark), Jury Member
Best Food Film showcasing a Nominated or Candidate World Region of Gastronomy – EUROPE
Saimaa European Region of Gastronomy Candidate 2024 – Jury Visit – Part 2
Created by Säynevirta Photography, this short film is part of “a series of three videos that were filmed during the European Region of Gastronomy Jury Visit in the Saimaa Region, 20-22 June 2022. International guests are taken on a journey to meet the hospitable people of the local villages and cities and to experience the pristine waters and forests of the region.”
“This film is the 2nd part from a trilogy that demonstrates the multiple stakeholders involved in developing a bid for Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy 2024 Award. The trilogy represents the natural, cultural and gastronomical assets of the aspiring region. This 2nd part has the most beautiful camera angles, movements and shots that provide a wonderful image of the beautiful region. Exceptional given this was shot live (i.e. is not staged). The food shots in particular are excellent and the colour grading is spectacular throughout. Light, welcoming, friendly and beautiful surroundings.” – Robert Ngoun (Cameroon/France), Jury Member
Best Food Film showcasing a Nominated or Candidate World Region of Gastronomy – MENA REGION
Let’s Go to Aseer from Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024*
Created by Nora Al Rayes Production, “this short film focuses on Aseer region and shows its beautiful nature and magical culture, as well as the generosity of its people.”
“Let’s Go To Aseer is a fast moving contemporary promotion of the endearing ancestral cuisine and culture in Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy 2024. The uplifting production, beautiful images, beautiful dancing and beautiful harmonies conspire to show the gastronomy, nature and cultural life of Aseer. Tradition and modernity come together and create a great happy vibe for the audience.” – Robert Ngoun (France/Cameroon), Jury Member
*The Aseer region was officially awarded World Region of Gastronomy 2024 on 24 September 2022, after the submission of their short film and consequent announcement as a category winner of the Food Film Menu 2022. Therefore, the short film Let’s Go to Aseer was considered in the Nominated or Candidate World Regions of Gastronomy category.
Best Food Film showcasing a Nominated or Candidate World Region of Gastronomy – CAUCASUS
The Kingdom of Milk and the Sun from Zugdidi-Sagremelo, Nominated World Region of Gastronomy
Directed and produced by Saba Janjghava, this short film “tells about the impressions of two girls who are friends and visit Zugdidi for the first time and taste the masterpieces of the local gastronomy.”
“The Kingdom of Milk and the Sun tries to evoke home video footage with professional film footage to deliver memories and emotions from a journey into Zugdidi-Samegrelo, nominated candidate World Region of Gastronomy 2025. The latter part of the film shows how the visitors take part in the preparation of appealing traditional and natural food from the region. In my opinion, the colours and lighting of this exotic cuisine are very good and appetising. Worthy of a prize!” – Lluis Valentí (Catalonia, Spain), Jury Member
The international jury of IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu 2022 included: Mai Damgaard Rasmussen (Denmark), Director of the FoodFilmFestival of Aarhus; Lluís Valentí, Director of the Girona Film Festival (Spain); Diane Dodd PhD, President of IGCAT (UK); Robert Ngoun, Performing Arts expert and CEO of Beutara (Cameroon/France); Lina Al-Khaled, Tourism expert (Jordan); and Raúl Torres, Communications Manager and Digital Content Creator at IGCAT (Colombia).
About IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu
IGCAT’s Food Film Menu contributes to internationally promote local food products, know-how, traditions and new trends related to gastronomy and crafts; encourage film directors to become ambassadors for their regions; and stimulate awareness of food and cultural diversity.
According to director Ljubomir Stefanov, official ambassador for the project, “IGCAT’s Food Film Menu is a wonderful initiative that raises awareness about food’s vital role in local sustainable development.”
To increase the visibility of the Food Film Menu, IGCAT collaborates with several international film festival and cultural institutions including: the FoodFilmFestival in Aarhus; Girona Film Festival; EATSA Art & Tourism Film Festival; ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival; Amorgos Tourism Film Festival; and NNLE Youth Palace of Zugdidi Municipality.
Watch the winners of the previous editions:
About the European/World Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded European/World Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practises; and contribute to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the European and World Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World and European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the Food Film Menu.