The Menorca International Film Festival – Social & Sustainable joined the network of international cinematographic events that support IGCAT’s Food Film Menu initiative.
Following a collaboration agreement signed with IGCAT, the Festival will showcase the short film A Food and Love Story – overall winner of the Food Film Menu 2021 – in the framework of the Cooking Films event, to be held in Menorca on 2-5 June 2022.
A strong supporter of the title of Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022, the Cooking Films is a festival that combines cinema and gastronomy, by organising thematic screenings and dinners in unique locations on the island, in the presence of internationally renowned chefs.
Through its events, the Cooking Films gives visibility to local food products and producers and encourages debate among invited chefs, professionals in the food and film sectors, and the public on topics such as gastronomy, sustainability and culture.
The event includes two sections: Cooking Films, where the audience will enjoy an exclusive meal accompanied by a film screening; and Cooking Pro, offering different activities such as cooking shows, tastings or experiences focused on local products, circular economy and the secrets of local cuisine.
President of IGCAT, Diane Dodd PhD highlighted that “it’s an honour to collaborate with Menorca International Film Festival and the Cooking Films event in the endeavour to support and give visibility to sustainable local gastronomy.”
Director of the Menorca International Film Festival, Inés Garrell, remarked:
“The Cooking Films festival advocates for values such as creativity and awareness-raising through the audio-visual sector and, at the same time, it stimulates the local economy, giving special visibility to female producers and Km0 products. All revenues from this cultural event revert to the local community. Furthermore, it gives support to the title of Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022.”
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 Robert Oliver, chef, founder of Pacific Island Food Revolution, and official ambassador for the Food Film Menu:
“Film and video content are crucial for social impact. Visual media can engage and uplift communities by showcasing their people, culture, and especially their local cuisine. Food, inherently sensual and visually stunning, is particularly powerful on screen, enhancing emotional connections and communal spirit.”
To increase the visibility of the Food Film Menu, IGCAT collaborates with several international film festivals and cultural institutions including: the FoodFilmFestival in Aarhus (Denmark); Girona Film Festival (Spain); EATSA Art & Tourism Film Festival (Portugal); ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival (Portugal); Amorgos Tourism Film Festival (Greece); Famtàstic · Evenings of Gastronomic Art (Spain); CINECLUB 262 – Cineciok Festival (Italy); Terres Travel Festival – Films & Creativity (Spain); Chania Film Festival (Greece); Festival TEF Krk (Croatia); and NNLE Youth Palace of Zugdidi Municipality (Georgia).
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.
