Storie di cucina 2009

First Prize

LA VARIANTE SULTANO - The Sultano Variation

Directed by Vincenzo Cascone – Ragusa
Screenplay by Vincenzo Cascone
Cinematography by Vincenzo Cascone
Editing: Vincenzo Cascone
Music: Alfio Antico, Carlo Natoli, Gianni Gebbia
Starring: Ciccio Sultano
Production: Extempora
Year of Production: 2007 - Running time:18’

Abstract:

The film explores the life, work and homeland of Sicilian chef Ciccio Sultano. It captures the spirit of people who work with food, especially those fortunate to be working in a place rich in history and local flavor. The masterful script and elegant photography give life to the tastes and aromas of Sicily and the reflections of a great chef.

Second Prize

FRITTATA

Directed by Silvia Rossi - Milano
Screenplay by Silvia Rossi and Adriano Chiarelli
Cinematography by Michele D'Attanasio
Sound: Antonio Ricossa
Music: Federico Strinati
Editing: Tommaso Bianchi
Starring: Lucia Bendia, Rinalda Marchetta
Scenography: Andrea Casamento
Production: Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia Sede Lombardia
Year of Production: 2008 - Running time:10’

Abstract:

Arianna has just turned 28 and is loosing steam. Thanks to the surprise visit of her lively grandmother and an impromptu cooking lesson, Arianna’s spirits are restored. This a story about life’s hardships and the comfort of family and familiar culinary traditions.

Third Prize

COMPORRE IN CUCINA E ARCHITETTURA - Composition in the Kitchen and Architecture

Directed by Roberto Dassoni – Piacenza
Screenplay by Massimo Ferrari
Cinematography by Roberto Dassoni – Marco Introini
Music: John Zorn
Editing: Roberto Dassoni
Starring: Filippo Chiappini Dattilo
Production: Archignam
Year of Production: 2008 - Running time: 9'

Abstract:

An interview with the chef Filippo Chiappini Dattilo (Antica Osteria del Teatro di Piacenza) on the subject of traditional cooking reveals some extraordinary parallels between gastronomic and architectonic creation.

Special Mention

MUSICA DA CUCINA - Music of the Kitchen

Directed by Giuseppe La Rosa e Sara Filippelli – Pisa
Screenplay by Giuseppe La Rosa
Cinematography by Giuseppe La Rosa
Music: Giuseppe La Rosa
Editing: Giuseppe La Rosa
Starring: The Chefs of Restaurant “Torre d'Oriente”
Production: Video Shock
Year of Production: 2007 - Running time: 9', 11''

Abstract:

The film, or rather the music video, is based on a traditional four-course Sicilian meal. The kitchen is the stage and the instruments are the whisks, ladles, pots, pans and ingredients. The sounds of the kitchen tools, recorded live, are edited so as to become musical notes and each of the four dishes has its own acoustic identity and joyful rhythm.

OTHER NOMINATED FILMS

Due to the excellent quality of the films submitted this year, the Jury decided to highlight a number of films that did not make it into the winner’s circle but deserve our attention, none the less. The subject and cinematographic value of the films, (listed in alphabetical order by director), contribute to the development of Italian gastronomic culture.

"CRAPA PANSA"

Directed by Francesco Barbieri – Piacenza
Screenplay by Federica Bianchi and Francesco Barbieri
Cinematography by Marco Sgorbati
Music: Enerbia - Musetta
Editing: Andrea Canepari
Starring: Gianni Schicchi – Maria Marenghi
Production: Manicomics Teatro
Year of Production: 2003 - Running time: 16'

Abstract:

“Crapa Pansa” tells of the people of Piacenza’s love affair with food. In Piacenza, food is more than just the sum of its component parts. It is an expression of conviviality and passion. In some cases, it is the only pleasure a poor family can allow itself once a year. To avoid compromising the cheerful atmosphere of Christmas lunch, the heroine of this film has to keep a secret until it is time for dessert. Only at the end of the meal does life return to normal.

STORIE DI BOTTI – RITRATTI DALLA SICILIA

Directed by Piero Cannizzaro – Roma
Screenplay by Lori Falcolini and Piero Cannizzaro
Cinematography by Vasile Caplescu – Piero Cannizzaro
Music: Antonio Arena – Lamberto Macchi
Editing: Federico M. Maneschi
Starring: Giuseppe and Girolamo Li Causi
Production: Diamante Duemila
Year of Production: 2004 - Running time: 12' 38"

Abstract:

Set in Marsala, the land of wine and master coopers or wine barrel makers, the documentary tells the story of how Giuseppe Li Causi and his son Girolamo construct barrels following the ancient tradition of bending the wood over fire. Experts in timber and wine-making for three generations, the Li Causi family keep alive a tradition that dates back to the Phoenicians. The Phonecians were the fist cultivators of vines on the island of Mozia, an archaeological jewel located in front of the saltbeds of Marsala.

CILENTO – NEL REGNO DELLE VACCHE PODOLICHE

Directed by Piero Cannizzaro – Roma
Screenplay by Lori Falcolini and Piero Cannizzaro
Cinematography by Vasile Caplescu – Piero Cannizzaro
Music: Lamberto Macchi – Antonio Arela – Traditional music of Cilento
Editing: Ecyr Prado
Production: Claudio Merli and Emme Audiovisivi
Year of Production: 2008 - Running time: 12' 55"

Abstract:

Amidst the wild myrtle in the foothills of the Apennines, in the province of Salerno, a small community of artisan cheese makers has survived. Here, a couple of breeders of Podolian cows produce Podolian Caciocavallo cheese and Mozzarella nella Mortella (Mozzarella cheese wrapped in myrtle branches), according to the old traditional production methods. Using tools that smell of myrtle and scorched wood, the art and skill of the cheese-makers’ hands bring life to products which ran the risk of disappearing.

“COSI DUCI”

Directed by Ruggero Di Maggio e Gabriele Gismondi – Palermo
Screenplay by Ruggero di Maggio and Gabriele Gismondi
Cinematography by Ruggero di Maggio, Gabriele Gismondi, Alessio Algeri
Music: Andrea Giacessi, Nihil Project, Gabriele Gismondi
Editing: Gabriele Gismondi
Starring: Santi Palazzolo Jr., Jean Paul Barreaud
Production: Mon Amour film
Year of Production: 2008 - Running time:16'

Abstract:

In his workroom in Cinisi, in the province of Palermo, Santi Palazzolo Jr. carries on the family pastrymaking tradition, evoking the tales and traditions of Sicily.

IL RUMORE DELLO ZUCCHERO - The Noise of Sugar

Directed by Giuseppe Ghinami – Genova
Screenplay by the children of the Centre of Rehabilitation of Low Vision “David Chiossone” (Genova) in collaboration with Martino Ragusa
Cinematography by Matteo Bennati
Editing: Matteo Bennati
Starring: Patrizio Roversi, Martino Ragusa and the children of the Centre of Rehabilitation of Low Vision “David Chiossone” (Genova)
Production: CIR Food
Year of Production: 2008 - Running time: 17' 17"

Abstract:

For an entire day, the “Chance Tourist” Patrizio Roversi, guided by the Chef from “Il Giornale del Cibo” Martino Ragusa, explores a different culinary dimension, where the absence of sight exalts the importance of the other senses: taste, smell, touch and… strangely, also hearing. This discovery assumes a deeper meaning since it is tested on a group of children that attend the Visual Rehabilitation Centre “David Chiossone”, a non-profit Institute in Genoa. The children teach Patrizio to recognize… the noise of sugar. The convivial atmosphere is that typically found in the Italian culinary tradition. The film shows how certain activities can help the disabled cope with reality and demonstrates how food and cooking can present real occasions to break down physical, cultural, and social barriers.

STOP PUSTRADDHUZZI MOTION, OVVERO: CERTE RICETTE SI FANNO DA SOLE

Directed by Marina, Elisa e Sara Miggiano – Corbetta (MI)
Screenplay by Marina, Elisa and Sara Miggiano
Cinematography by Marina, Elisa and Sara Miggiano
Editing: Marina Miggiano
Starring: Piera della Rupe, Cristina Giuffreda, Cristina Spedicato, Antonio and letizia Benvenga, Assunta Mosca, Rosaria Pizzileo
Production: Marina Miggiano
Year of Production: 2008 - Running time: 2' 43"

Abstract:

During the Christmas period there is a tradition – called pustraddhuzzi - that brings together absolutely everyone at Gallipoli, Lecce. A small golden mound of honey scented with spices made from a recipe handed down through the generations is made and served. Using the “stop-motion” technique and the tales of some experts, the ritual comes to life once again.

MONTORIO AL VOMANO IN TAVOLA

Directed by Marina Piccone – Roma
Screenplay by Marina Piccone
Cinematography by Marina Piccone
Editing: Andrea Morucci
Starring: Nadia Camerati, Fiorina Di Gesualdo
Production: Marina Piccone and Andrea Morucci
Year of Production:2008 - Running time: 19' 40"

Abstract:

The film takes place at Montorio al Vomano, near Teramo, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Our heroines Nadia, 78 and Fiorina, 88, prepare two typical products from the region. Nadia makes maccheroni “alla chitarra” and Fiorina some “bocconotti”, little cakes filled with jam.