Two films from IGCAT’s Food Film Menu 2021 triumphed at the 12th Amorgos Tourism Film Festival, held on 4-9 November 2021 on the island of Amorgos (South Aegean, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2019).
Award-Winning Films from Menorca and Saudi Arabia
A Food and Love Story from Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy 2022, won 1st Prize in the Tourism Products / Gastronomy category. This fictional story follows a child who dreams of becoming a chef. One summer, he befriends a visiting girl. Although she leaves after the holidays, fate brings them back together years later. Produced by Bendito Films for the Consell Insular de Menorca, the film was also named Best European Film Overall in the Food Film Menu 2021.
Tastes of Al-Hasa, from Saudi Arabia, took 3rd Prize in the same category. Produced by Merak Media Production for the Saudi Tourism Authority, the film guides viewers through Al-Hasa, famous for its palm trees. It showcases the region’s agriculture, bakeries, nut roasteries, and signature dishes. This film was previously chosen as Best Potential World Region of Gastronomy Film in the Food Film Menu 2021.
Festival Highlights
The International Jury awarded films from 18 countries in 10 sections. The Grand Prix Award went to Vilnius, Amazing Wherever You Think It Is. The International Amorgos Tourism Film Festival, held annually since 2010, is organised by the Cultural Women’s Association of Amorgos, the Municipality of Amorgos, and the District of South Aegean. Its aim is to enhance global tourism through audiovisual media and celebrate the world’s best tourism films and travel videos.
The Amorgos Film Festival is a member of the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals – CIFFT, organization based in Vienna.
About IGCAT’s International Food Film Menu
IGCAT’s Food Film Menu aims to collect short films that help raise awareness about the importance of food and cultural diversity for community well-being and a more sustainable future.
The competition challenges directors from all over the globe to creatively unveil the countless, fascinating food stories that their regions hold. Local food products, recipes, food producers, chefs, food traditions, food innovations, food techniques and practises, food landscapes or built heritage related to regional gastronomy are only a few of the eligible protagonists of the short films IGCAT seeks.
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.
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; NNLE Youth Palace of Zugdidi Municipality in Georgia; Famtàstic – Evenings of Gastronomic Art in Spain; and CineCiok in Italy.
Watch the winners of the previous editions:
About the World/ European Region of Gastronomy Award
Candidate and awarded 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 ultimately they contribute 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.
