Free Films Promote Dining Changes

Slow Food Charleston and Whole Foods Market have announced dates and films for the 2012 Fall Film Series.

Along with supporting sponsors Cinebarre, Patrick Properties Hospitality Group and Holy City Brewing, the members of Slow Food Charleston are bringing these films to local theaters to spur along food-focused conversations.

“Some of our selections were based upon the chefs’ extraordinary passion for food and how that ultimately translated to film,” said Susan Bass, Director of Slow Food Charleston. “We also like to feature films that reflect the current state of the food system and agriculture.”

Films will be screened at either the American Theater in downtown Charleston or at Cinebarre in Mount Pleasant. All films will begin at 6 p.m. and admission is free. Viewers of all ages are welcome. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, visit www.slowfoodcharleston.org.

September 27: El Bulli
Location: The American Theater, 456 King Street

For six months of the year, renowned Spanish chef Ferran Adriá closes his restaurant El Bulli – repeatedly voted the world’s best – and works with his culinary team to prepare the menu for the next season. An elegant, detailed study of food as avant-garde art, the film is a rare inside look at some of the world’s most innovative and exciting cooking.

*Beers from Holy City will be available for $2 prior to the start of the film. A reception will follow the showing at Fish upstairs and will feature appetizers inspired by the film prepared by Chef Nico Romo, as well as cocktails (cost: $10).

October 11: Jiro Dreams of Sushi
Location: The American Theater, 456 King Street

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is the story of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances, it is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious three-star Michelin Guide rating.

*Beers from Holy City will be available for $2 prior to the start of the film. A reception will follow the showing at Fish upstairs and will feature appetizers inspired by the film prepared by Chef Nico Romo, as well as cocktails (cost: $10).

October 25: Ingredients
Location: Cinebarre, 963 Houston-Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant

The local food movement takes root. American food is in a state of crisis, but a movement to put good food back on the table is emerging. What began 30 years ago with chefs demanding better flavor has inspired consumers to seek relationships with nearby farmers. This is local food.

*Film-inspired foods created and provided by chefs from Whole Foods Market will be available.

November 8: Farmageddon
Location: Cinebarre, 963 Houston-Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant

Farmageddon highlights the urgency of food freedom, encouraging farmers and consumers alike to take action to preserve individuals’ rights to access food of their choice and farmers’ rights to produce these foods safely and free from unreasonably burdensome regulations.

*Film-inspired foods created and provided by chefs from Whole Foods Market will be available.

About Slow Food Charleston: An 8 year-old, local non-profit convivium (chapter) of Slow Food USA. Slow Food is an idea, a way of living, and a way of eating. Slow Food Charleston is part of a global grassroots movement that supports, preserves, and promotes local food systems and good nutrition for all.