The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) can be exhausting, with over 200 films showing at eight theatres over 11 days.
Thankfully, food and wine columnist Matt Kettmann of the Independent narrowed down his favorite cuisine-centric films at the festival.
The Delicacy – The sea urchin is one of the strangest and most searched after foods in the world. Jason Wise goes beneath the sea from the founder of the “Somm” series in this video featuring sea urchin diving off Santa Barbara’s coast. “The Delicacy” screens at Metro Theatre 2 at 8:20 pm on Friday 24 Jan and at Metro Theatre 3 at 02:40 pm on Saturday 25 Jan.
The Wandering Chef – Chef Jiho I’m moving on foot through the Korean peninsula for natural products, such as acorns, herbs, and moss. He prepares meals along the way and establishes deep relationships with the elders he encounters.
He meets the obstacle of his life when one of Im’s closest friends dies – preparing a 108-course feast in her memory. “The Wandering Chef” screens at 11:40 am on Thursday 23 Jan at Metro Theatre 3 and at 11:00 am on Friday 24 Jan at Metro Theatre
Man In the Field – the film profiles artist and chef Jim Denevan, creator of Outstanding in the Field, an event company who, through hosting multi-course meals where food is grown, reconnects people with farmers and property.
It screens at 7:30 pm on Saturday 18 Jan at the Lobero Theatre and at 11:40 am on Monday 20 Jan at Metro Theatre 3.
Born in the Ballroom – The film explores the relationship that exists between the Hutte Resturant, its creator Eleanor Mailloux and the small Appalachian community she called home.
“Born in a Ballroom” shows at 11:00 am on Friday 17 Jan at Metro Theatre 1; at 2:00 pm on Sunday 19 Jan at Metro Theatre 1 and at 11:00 am on Monday 20 Jan at Lobero Theatre.