Following their collaboration on Sundance doc Rebuilding Paradise, National Geographic Documentary Films is teaming with director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer on a film about world-renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés.
The untitled documentary will focus on Andrés’ work with his nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, which helps communities reeling from disaster by providing healthy food to those affected.
As one of the world’s most prominent food-focused first responders, Andrés and the World Central Kitchen team have snapped into action, combating hunger in the wake of crisis by serving more than 16 million meals to date. Most recently, the organization has mobilized to bring nourishment to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, delivering meals to quarantined cruise ship passengers, school children, medical professionals, the elderly and the most vulnerable through the #ChefsforAmerica program, which is now serving more than 100,000 meals a day across the United States and in Spain.
Featuring exclusive access to World Central Kitchen’s initiatives and archives, the doc will follow Andrés and his team around the globe as they address the increasing environmental and humanitarian crises the best way they know how: through food. The film will take an in-depth look at World Central Kitchen’s collaborations with local chefs to feed affected people and first responders. From the front lines of a crisis to the backrooms of the kitchen, the film will examine the restoration of community and the activation of change, one meal at a time.
“Serving people a plate of fresh food after a disaster is more than just about calories to fill them up. A hot meal is comfort, dignity, hope — a sign that someone cares and that tomorrow will be better,” said Andrés. “From Puerto Rico to the Bahamas to Mozambique, I’ve seen how important quick action and constant adaptation are to reach communities in need with the urgency of now.”
(Excerpt) Reae more in: The Hollywood Reporter