Get the best of iwonder’s October 2024 releases, featuring new documentaries on food, culture, and more.
This October, iwonder delivers a rich selection of new programming for food enthusiasts, with a focus on the stories and journeys of some of the world’s most passionate chefs and artisans.
From a Neapolitan pizza maker’s quest for a Michelin Star to the exploration of bread’s journey from a simple staple to a highly commercialised product, the lineup offers insightful and mouth-watering experiences.
Additionally, in the “iWonder What Top Five” segment, five handpicked culinary documentaries will delve into the personal journeys of global culinary talents.
Stella
Pizza | Italy | Gastronomy
Launches 17 October
In Stella, young Neapolitan pizzaiolo Ciro Oliva embarks on a challenging mission to become the first pizza maker ever awarded a Michelin Star. His restaurant, Concettina ai Tre Santi, is beloved by locals for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional pizza. However, gaining recognition from the Michelin Guide, renowned for its rigorous and secretive judging process, will test Ciro’s determination. As the film unfolds, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, skill, and drive necessary to reach the top of the culinary world.
Bread: An Everyday Miracle
Enlightening | Traditions | Industry
Launches 22 October
Bread: An Everyday Miracle examines the evolution of bread, from being a daily foodstuff to a commercially branded product with endless variations. The film features traditional bakers and cereal farmers committed to quality and sustainability, contrasted with large-scale factories focused on mass production. Directed by Harald Friedl, this documentary questions whether the artistry of bread-making can survive in a world increasingly dominated by technology and industrialisation. What will the future of bread look like, and how can craftsmanship endure?
Come Back Anytime
Japan | Produce | Legendary
Launches 24 October
Come Back Anytime tells the story of Masamoto Ueda, a self-taught ramen chef who, together with his wife Kazuko, has run Bizentei, a small ramen shop in Tokyo, for over forty years. The documentary offers a window into their tight-knit community, where loyal customers have become close friends. On weekends, the Uedas lead excursions to the Japanese countryside to forage for seasonal ingredients. This beautifully shot film is a celebration of food, community, and the enduring connections formed through a shared love of ramen.
iWonder What Top Five: Chefs on a Mission
This month’s iWonder What highlights five culinary documentaries that dive deep into the lives of chefs who are pushing the boundaries of food and redefining culinary traditions.
1. She Chef
Gender | Journey | Work
Launches 29 October
At just 25 years old, Agnes, a newly crowned world champion chef, embarks on a global journey to work alongside the best in the industry and develop her own culinary style. She Chef follows her journey from her training at Austria’s renowned Steirereck restaurant, to her efforts in carving a path for herself in a male-dominated industry. The documentary touches on themes of ambition, gender equality in the kitchen, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life in pursuit of greatness.
2. The Art of Cooking with Fire
BBQ | Iconic | Minimalist
Launches 15 October
This documentary focuses on the legendary Spanish chef Bittor Arginzoniz, who has mastered the art of wood-fire grilling at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Asador Etxebarri, in the Basque Country. The Art of Cooking with Fire offers an in-depth look at his minimalist cooking philosophy and his relentless pursuit of perfection. Using locally sourced ingredients, Arginzoniz creates extraordinary dishes that capture the purest essence of the elements.
3. Seasons at Terroir
Mentor | South Africa | Learning
Set in Terroir, a celebrated South African restaurant, Seasons at Terroir follows chef Michael Broughton as he mentors his young kitchen team. Over the course of a year, Broughton pushes his staff to achieve new levels of culinary excellence, all while cooking for some of the country’s most discerning critics. The documentary captures the intense pressure of a professional kitchen and the artistry required to deliver impeccable dishes in a highly competitive environment.
4. Floyd’s India
India | Curry | Nature
The inimitable Keith Floyd takes viewers on a vibrant culinary tour through India in Floyd’s India. Travelling across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and beyond, Floyd explores the roots of Indian cuisine and the culture that surrounds it. From discovering the origins of curry to cooking with traditional ingredients, the film blends Floyd’s signature wit and charm with an educational exploration of one of the world’s most beloved cuisines.
5. Floyd’s Ford Fiesta
Scandinavia | Scenic | Diverse
In Floyd’s Ford Fiesta, Keith Floyd embarks on an adventure across Scandinavia, highlighting the unique culinary traditions of this diverse region. From the icy expanses of Lapland to Norway’s stunning fjords, Floyd uncovers the flavours of the north, with dishes ranging from herring fillets to smoked loin of pork. Throughout, Floyd’s engaging personality and love for food shine, making this a captivating culinary road trip.
World Food Day: 16 October 2024
This October, World Food Day marks the 20th anniversary of the Right to Food Guidelines, a global commitment to ensuring everyone has access to adequate and sustainable food. With events planned across 150 countries, the day will shine a spotlight on the challenges of hunger, inequality, and climate change, while advocating for more sustainable food systems. Although global food production is sufficient, issues such as inequality and environmental changes mean that 733 million people still face hunger. World Food Day 2024 will call for collective action towards a sustainable future where everyone can enjoy a healthy diet.
October on iwonder promises a wide range of culinary stories, from personal journeys of passion and perseverance to global discussions about food sustainability and access. Viewers can look forward to an immersive exploration of the past, present, and future of food around the world.
