The Goddesses of Food

In 2016, director Vérane Frédiani brought to life a cinematic masterpiece that serves as an ode to the undercover heroines of the culinary world - “The Goddesses of Food”. A globally oriented documentary; it takes the viewers on a journey through the kitchens of the world and illuminates the untold stories of women who have dedicated their lives to exciting our taste buds.

The two-hour-long documentary brings to the limelight the silent struggles and vibrant victories of women in the food industry. Dominique Crenn, the first female chef in America to receive three Michelin stars, Barbara Lync, a celebrated wine personality, Alice Waters, a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, David Prior, a renowned food writer, and Amanda Cohen, chef-owner of the acclaimed restaurant Dirt Candy in New York City, are featured in the documentary. Through them, the director seeks to uplift every woman's voice in this male-dominated industry.

In "The Goddesses of Food", viewers are invited into the intimate world of these master chefs. We see the disciplined routine of Dominique Crenn, meticulously focusing on every detail of her dishes at her San Francisco restaurant, Atelier Crenn. She is not just a master of the culinary arts, but also a fierce advocate for equality, pushing the boundaries in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Alice Waters, a champion of organic and locally sourced ingredients, directly challenges the norms of the fast-food culture with her long-time Berkeley restaurant, Chez Panisse. Her goal is to keep her kitchen as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. Further carousing into the vineyards, we meet Barbara Lynch who illustrates the marriage of the culinary and viticulture worlds, showing us that being a woman in a man's world doesn't mean you can't lead and innovate.

Amanda Cohen brings a fresh perspective to the screen. Known for her vegetarian restaurant, Dirt Candy, Amanda highlights the relevance and vitality of vegetables on one's plate. Her bold and courageous attitude towards breaking the norms serves as a beacon of hope for many women in the industry.

Last, but not least, we traverse through the corners of Italy with David Prior, who showcases the deep-rooted traditions around food, sharing the historical significance hidden behind it. These women, along with a multitude of others in the documentary, share their passion for food, love for their craft, and recount the range of experiences they have gone through in their journeys. They put a face to the countless number of women who have been a part of the food industry but have gone uncredited for their contributions.

With captivating cinematography, the documentary brings to life the bustle in the kitchens, the freshness of the ingredients, and the beauty in every plated dish. Every frame is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the effort, artistry, and love that goes into creating each meal. Along with this visual appeal, the strong narrative carries viewers from the crowded streets of New York to the serene vineyards of Napa, the traditional corners of Italy, and bustling markets of Asia, giving a nearly tactile experience of these regions and their culinary masterpieces.

The documentary doesn't shy away from addressing the industry's inherent gender inequality issues, either. Through powerful anecdotes and personal experiences of these women, it exposes the systemic barriers women face in culinary professions. While it highlights the struggles, it also sheds light on the incredible resilience, innovation, and success of women who have broken through these barriers to become leaders in the industry.

The score of the documentary is subtly crafted to match the rhythm of the kitchens, lending a dramatic touch to the simmering pots and sizzling pans, making the viewing experience all the more immersive.

"The Goddesses of Food" is not just a documentary about food - it's about passion, resilience, art, cultures, and most importantly, women empowerment. The director focuses on conveying the love these women have for their profession, and their determination to triumph over unsurmountable odds. Even for those who aren’t self-proclaimed ‘foodies’, this documentary is sure to evoke a deep sense of admiration for these women, their exceptional culinary skills, and the indomitable spirit with which they take the world's kitchens by storm.