All the foodie films to see this Sydney Film Festival - Food Files

May 16, 2024

It's a feast for the eyes.

Sydney Film Festival is a source of entertainment and education for cinephiles every year, as more than 200 films from around the world go on show over 12 days at 12 cinemas. It is also, for the greedy among us, a great source of inspiration when it comes to dinner time.

Kicking off on June 5-16, these are the foodie films you’ve got to see this Sydney Film Festival.

La Cocina

Starring the multi-award winner and twice Oscar nominated Rooney Mara (Carol, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and directed by Alonson Ruizpalacios, this romantic drama follows Pedro, a young Mexican chef working in a NYC restaurant, as he aspires for more in life. Dreaming of a future with American waitress, Julia, his life takes a dramatic turn when he’s accused of stealing money from the restaurant. Styled as a contemporary adaptation of Arnold Wesker’s 1957 play “The Kitchen” La Cocina tackles themes of class and racism with the backdrop of a simmering restaurant kitchen.

Showing:
Wednesday June 5, 6:15pm at Ritz Randwick
Saturday June 8, 7:30pm Palace Norton Street
Sunday June 16, 4:30pm at the State Library of NSW

The Sloth Lane

The latest instalment in the 3D-animated Tales from Sanctuary City franchise, this quirky cartoon is as much for the kids as it is for the grown ups. Directed by Tania Vincent and Ricard Cussó, The Sloth Lane follows Laura (voiced by Leslie Jones) and her family as they rebuild their lives after a storm destroys their home and restaurant. Launching a successful foodtruck in Sanctuary City, the family has a new hurdle when their secret recipes are stolen from them.

Showing:
Saturday June 15, 12pm at Event Cinema George Street
Sunday June 16, 1pm at Randwick Ritz

House Of The Seasons

House of the Seasons, directed by Jung-Min Oh, portrays the highs and lows of a three-generation Korean family managing a tofu factory amidst challenges of death and separations. Follow the family as they delve into the intricate emotional complexities and dynamics within families, examining notions of tradition, identity, and the passage of time.

Showing:
Wednesday June 12, 12:15pm at State Theatre
Saturday June 15, 1:15pm at Event Cinemas George Street

Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros

Menus Plaisirs – Les Troisgros delves into the Troisgros family’s renowned culinary dynasty, celebrated for its Michelin-starred achievements and sustainable practices, as well as the family dramas that can threaten an empire when things become tense in the kitchen. Menus Plaisirs – Les Troisgros provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous art of fine dining through director Frederick Wiseman’s observational filming style, illuminating the interconnectedness of food, community, and the environment.

The documentary offers insights into not only the Troisgros restaurants’ culinary excellence but also their adaptation and innovation in an ever-changing gastronomic and environmental landscape.

Showing:
Sunday June 9, 3:30pm at Event Cinema George Street
Monday June 10, 1pm at Dendy Newtown
Saturday June 15, 1pm at Palace Norton Street

The Feast

In this short film (screening with Wilding) directed by Rishi Chandna, a fisherwoman determined to save a dying lake takes on a powerful local politician by cooking him a remarkable meal. The Feast follows as the fisherwoman opens the politicians eyes to the value of the ecosystem from which he has just eaten, and sheds light on the immediate impact of pollution and climate change.

Showing (with Wilding):
Saturday June 8, 3:45pm at Dendy Newtown
Monday June 10, 4pm at Palace Norton Street
Sunday June 16, 6:20pm at Ritz Randwick

The Sydney Film Festival runs from June 5-16 across Sydney. To book and see the full line up, head to the Sydney Film Festival website.