2017's Best Food Documentary: Taste the Story

Unveiling the Best Food Documentaries of 2017

In the realm of culinary exploration, 2017 brought forth a plethora of insightful and engaging food documentaries. These films delved into the heart of food culture, sustainability, and the impact of our dietary choices on the world. Here, we present a curated list of the most compelling food documentaries from 2017, each offering a unique perspective on our complex relationship with food.

1. City of Ghosts - A Feast for the Senses

Directed by Matthew M. Tryba, City of Ghosts is a visual symphony that explores the vibrant food culture of New Orleans. The documentary pays homage to the city's culinary heritage, from its Creole and Cajun roots to its modern-day fusion trends. Through stunning cinematography and interviews with local chefs, City of Ghosts invites viewers to indulge in the city's rich gastronomic tapestry.

2. The Gleaners and I - A French Perspective on Food Waste

In 2017, French director Agnès Varda revisited her 2000 documentary, The Gleaners and I, with a new chapter focusing on the global issue of food waste. The film explores the stark contrast between the abundance of food in developed countries and the alarming rates of hunger and malnutrition worldwide. Varda's poetic and introspective style encourages viewers to reflect on their own consumption habits and the systemic issues driving food waste.

Notable Mentions: 2017's Other Compelling Food Docs

• Cooked - Michael Pollan's exploration of the transformative power of cooking, based on his best-selling book.
• The Resilience of the Cuban People - A look into Cuba's food system, shaped by decades of US embargo and climate change.
• Rotten - A Netflix original series that delves into the dark side of the food industry, from food fraud to environmental degradation.

3. Wasted! The Story of Food Waste - Turning Leftovers into Solutions

Directed by Anna Chai and Nari Kye, Wasted! shines a spotlight on the global food waste crisis. The documentary features renowned chefs, activists, and entrepreneurs who are pioneering innovative solutions to reduce food waste. From composting and food rescue to creating delicious meals from discarded ingredients, Wasted! offers a hopeful vision of a more sustainable food future.

4. Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent - A Culinary Legend's Journey

Directed by Lydia Tenaglia, Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent tells the story of the influential chef who helped launch the California cuisine movement. The documentary chronicles Tower's rise to fame, his groundbreaking approach to cooking, and his enduring impact on the culinary world. Through interviews with fellow chefs, food critics, and Tower himself, the film offers a captivating portrait of a true culinary icon.

5. A Place at the Table - Hunger in America

Directed by Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush, A Place at the Table confronts the stark reality of hunger in the United States. The documentary follows three families struggling with food insecurity, as it explores the systemic issues contributing to hunger in America. Through interviews with policy experts, advocates, and everyday Americans, A Place at the Table challenges viewers to consider the root causes of hunger and the role they play in addressing this pressing social issue.

6. Food Evolution - The Science of GMOs

Directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy, Food Evolution tackles the contentious topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply. The documentary presents a balanced and evidence-based exploration of the science behind GMOs, debunking myths and misinformation surrounding this divisive issue. Through interviews with scientists, farmers, and advocates on both sides of the debate, Food Evolution encourages viewers to approach the topic with an open mind and a commitment to critical thinking.

7. Taste the Waste - A Global Food Waste Odyssey

Directed by Valentin Thurn, Taste the Waste is a gripping exploration of the global food waste crisis. The documentary follows Thurn as he travels the world, from Europe to Africa to Asia, documenting the alarming scale of food waste and its environmental, social, and economic consequences. Along the way, he encounters innovative solutions and inspiring individuals who are fighting to reduce waste and create a more sustainable food system.

8. The Great Chicken Escape - The Dark Side of Industrial Poultry

Directed by Andrew Haigh, The Great Chicken Escape exposes the dark underbelly of the global poultry industry. The documentary delves into the harsh realities of factory farming, from the brutal treatment of chickens to the environmental impact of intensive livestock production. Through interviews with farmers, activists, and industry insiders, The Great Chicken Escape challenges viewers to confront the true cost of cheap chicken and consider more ethical and sustainable alternatives.

Each of these food documentaries from 2017 offers a unique perspective on our complex relationship with food, inviting viewers to reflect on their own consumption habits and the broader implications of our dietary choices. By exploring the intersection of culture, politics, and sustainability, these films serve as powerful catalysts for change, inspiring viewers to demand a more just and sustainable food system.