The short film Latitude Iche Route: A Journey Through the Flavors of Manabí from Manabí, World Region of Gastronomy candidate 2026, is the winner of the World Regions of Gastronomy category of IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu 2023.
More than a gastronomic tour, the Latitude Iche Route is a voyage into Manabí’s identity, tradition, and culture. With a blend of tradition and innovation, the Latitude Iche Route is an invitation to explore the flavours, aromas, and techniques that make this region a unique culinary destination. As part of an integrated gastronomic ecosystem, this route promotes sustainability, local development, and culinary excellence, elevating Ecuador’s Manabí gastronomy to the global stage.
Directed by Juanka Castillo for the FUEGOS Foundation, Latitude Iche Route: A Journey Through the Flavors of Manabí was selected by an international jury of IGCAT experts as the best short film to showcase a World Region of Gastronomy, highlighting the local food heritage, indigenous knowledge, craft and traditions related to gastronomy and their combination with food innovation, as well as sustainable initiatives and experiences.
“A film that transmits love and respect for the land, showing us the changing landscapes and people connected to them along the route Latitude Iche,” affirmed jury member Mai Damgaard.
“Latitude Iche, a tasting route in Ecuador, is very well illustrated in the film. We get to discover traditional products and meet locals that are dedicated to this collective promotion of the territory through food” stated jury member Virginie Brégeon.
The international jury of IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu 2023 included: Mai Damgaard Rasmussen (Denmark), Director of the FoodFilmFestival of Aarhus and Chair of the jury; Lluís Valentí, Director of the Girona Film Festival (Spain); Irene Giannakopoulos, Founder and President of Amorgos International Film Festival (Greece); Robert Palmer (Scotland), independent consultant and former Director of Culture, Cultural and Natural Heritage at the Council of Europe; Virginie Brégeon de Saint-Quentin, expert in design, marketing and artistic direction (France); and Raúl Torres Ajiaco, Communications Manager and Digital Content Creator at IGCAT (Colombia).
An online public’s vote is open (10-17 October 2023) to select the Public’s Favourite Film, that will be announced together with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize at the 35th Girona Film Festival (Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025) on 11 November 2023.
Watch all category winners of the Food Film Menu 2023 and vote!
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 festivals 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; Menorca International Film Festival; and NNLE Youth Palace of Zugdidi Municipality in Georgia.
Watch the winners of the previous editions:
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World/European 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; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding 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 World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/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 international Food Film Menu.