Fermented

Fermented is a 2017 culinary documentary that takes the audience on a fascinating and delicious journey into the world of fermentation, focusing on its history, cultural significance, and continued relevance in modern cuisine. Directed by Jonathan Cianfrani, the film stars renowned chef Edward Lee, along with fermentation experts like Sandor Katz, cheese maker Soyoung Scanlan, brewer Nick Floyd, and baker Chad Robertson.

The film offers a delightful and informative dive into the persistent fermentation techniques in different cultures and regions, exploring the dynamic interplay between humans and the microbiomes that we nurture and consume. Whether it's a smooth bourbon, a tangy sourdough, a sharp cheddar, or a pungent kimchi, the film impresses upon the viewer the magnitude of the role that fermentation plays in our lives.

Edward Lee, a seasoned chef famous for his innovative culinary creations that wed Southern American cookery with Korean flavors, anchors the film. He plays an integral role in presenting the stories of communities around the world which keep age-old fermentation practices alive. Through the engaging perspectives shared by Lee, the audience watches the confluence of flavors and cultures through the prism of fermented food and beverages.

Featured alongside Lee is Sandor Katz, often referred to as the “fermentation guru.” Katz adds depth to the documentary by explaining the science that drives fermentation and its impact on our health and survival. Katz's wisdom feeds flavor into the narrative, telling a story steeped in culinary technique, cultural history, human biology, and ecology.

We are introduced to Soyoung Scanlan, a passionate artisanal cheese maker, who exemplifies the precision, patience, and artistry that go into creating excellently crafted cheese from fermentation. Her segment is a testament to the artistic and technical skill required in this ancient methodology.

The world of fermented alcoholic beverages is explored through the lens of Nick Floyd, a craft beer brewer. His part not only glorifies the brewing process but underscores the significance of fermentation in creating varieties of beer with distinct flavors and characteristics.

Bread, one of the oldest and most loved products of fermentation, is explored through the expertise of Chad Robertson. He unveils the alchemy that occurs when simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt, transform, via the natural process of fermentation, into a sourdough loaf teeming with complex flavors, aroma, and texture.

With each segment of Fermented, the audience learns how the process of fermentation links each small microbe to the meals on our plates, connecting the minutiae of the microscopic world to the broad strokes of human culture, touching not only on taste but also the historical and health aspects. This exploration sheds light on how these fermented foods and drinks made their way into our foodscape and how they continue to thrive there.

Moreover, the documentary delves into the intricate relations between fermented foods and human health. Key discussions around gut health, the human microbiome, and the vital role that fermented foods play in enriching our wellbeing give the film a holistic and contemporary relevance.

Utilizing a playful yet introspective style, Fermented serves as a masterclass on the transformative power of unseen bacteria, yeast, and molds on the food we consume, ultimately highlighting the critical balance between humans and microorganisms. Visually, Fermented abounds in vibrant cinematography that showcases the beauty and intricacy of the fermentation process and the delightful foods that result from it.

In essence, Fermented isn't just a documentary—it's an adventure into the hidden realms of food and drinks we indulge in every day. It's a journey into the inexhaustive world of flavors and the magic that is fermenting, guided by culinary experts who translate their passion and knowledge into a sensory experience. Thus, this film is more than a simple exploration of culinary technique; it's a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that lies behind each fermented product, telling a truly human story through the lens of food creation.

So, whether you're a casual foodie, a professional chef, a fermentation enthusiast, or just someone with a love for culture and history, Fermented opens up a world of culinary delights and leaves you with a newfound appreciation for the beautifully complex, yet fundamentally simple, process of fermentation.