Breaking Bread

Breaking Bread is an inviting documentary that unfolds against the backdrop of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, yet vehemently circumvents politics to hone in on an aspect that unites us all — food. The movie debuted in 2020 and features Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, Shlomi Meir, and Ali Khattib.

Structured around the A-Sham Food Festival established by Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, the first Muslim Arab to win Israel's MasterChef, the movie ingeniously showcases the unifying power of food. Here, storylines of people from different backgrounds and religions mingling and learning presentations of culturally significant dishes make up the crux of the film, a unique take on exploring, bridging, and understanding cultural divisions and differences between Arabs and Jews in Israel. Atamna-Ismaeel’s earnest portrayal sets the tone for the movie, contrasting societal tensions with the tranquility of the festival where Arab and Jewish chefs work together. Her ambition to dissolve walls between Arab and Jewish cultures in Israel through the shared culinary heritage is the key driving force of this narrative.

Each chef highlighted in the movie uses a unique ingredient or follows a distinct culinary tradition to cook a chosen dish. The camaraderie and shared passion among the chefs elicit a transcendent phenomenon that transcends religious, political, and social divides. The chefs' stories, their interpretations of traditional dishes, and the innovative ways in which they tweak them are all richly woven into the film's narrative.

Shlomi Meir, a Jewish chef, is seen working with Arab chef Ali Khattib. Together, they figure out recipes that speak volumes of the culinary history and culture that their diverse backgrounds contain. Their camaraderie and respect for each other's traditions allow them to focus on their shared love for cooking rather than their religious differences.

In several instances, the film manages to humanize what we often perceive as faceless aspects of stereotypes and political tensions. The narrative consistently breaks through the stereotype and uncovers the personalities behind the chef’s apron, making the viewer rewire the preconceived notions we might subconsciously hold about the "other."

The artistic camera work and lighting converges on the ceremony of cooking, highlighting not just the process but the emotions, thoughts, and narratives closely tied to each dish. Every shot of the various dishes in their colorful, aromatic glory builds a visual and sensory connection that complements the narrative. The film's vibrant visuals, coupled with the heartfelt narratives of the chefs, make for a captivating watch.

Director Beth Elise Hawk does a remarkable job of presenting a refreshing view of Israel's rich and pluralistic gastronomic landscape and its significance. The underlying sentiments and emotions expressed through shared food traditions form a key thematic thread that ties the entire film together. Rather than trying to solve the deeply entrenched political struggles, Hawk stays true to the aim of the festival, capturing the celebration of culinary art and its power to instill an essence of brotherhood and community across divides.

Breaking Bread couples the love for food and the celebration of tradition to masterfully present a perspective of Israel mostly lost amid the cacophony of conflicts. It introduces us to the individuals who use their love for food as a medium to bridge divides and navigate social barriers. Despite the conflict-ridden premise, one comes out of this film with an impression of hope, unity, and a renewed appreciation for the power of culinary art. The documentary is an ode to the spirit of peace, cooperation, and the universal language of food that binds us all.

In all, Breaking Bread is a journey that tantalizingly meanders through the landscapes of shared Arab and Jewish cuisines, rich histories, personal anecdotes, and the universal love for great food. It stands as an example of how the artful process of culinary creations can stir pots of harmony and bridge cultural divides, illustrating that in the end, we all break bread together.