A trilogy of Gastro Cinema editions unfolds under the umbrella of Festival Gastro Cinema, with the third solo edition following the two earlier segments carried out within the project. Alicante Film Festival continues its commitment to this competition, highlighting how gastronomy intersects with cinema in a city renowned for culinary prestige. The pairing of food and film is showcased as a central motif during the festival, scheduled from 13 to 18 September.
Across six days, Gastro Cinema screens nearly twenty films, spanning feature fiction, documentaries, and short films. The program includes tastings of local products, chef talks, and recognition for culinary professionals who shape the stove culture behind the scenes.
The festival emphasizes long form and gastronomy themed cinema to be shown at the Alicante Contemporary Art Museum, Murur. From 14 to 16 September, admission is free. Notable titles include The Cook of Last Wishes directed by Yojirō Takita, featuring Kazunari Ninomiya and Gou Ayano; Babette’s Feast by Gabriel Axel with Stephane Audran and other cast; and a chocolate themed selection featuring works that celebrate confectionery from chocolate to haute cuisine.
The program also features Father Life, a 2022 entry directed by Joaquín Mazón, starring Karra Elejalde, Enric Auquer, and Megan Montaner. This screening takes place at the Archaeological Museum of Alicante on Saturday, 16 September, accompanied by a tasting of Marcos Tonda chocolates and Bocopa wines from La Vila Joiosa. Entry requires pre-registration on the festival website.
Gastro Cinema director Vincent Seva notes that two new kitchen themed documentaries will be announced soon, along with a short film competition that is already selected for this edition.
short film competition
Finding short films about gastronomy remains challenging, yet the field continues to grow. This year the festival received 75 submissions, with participants primarily from Spain but also from Argentina and Venezuela. A dozen finalists will compete for a 500 euro prize and will be screened at MARQ. In previous editions, short films such as 3 Seater Table by the Álvaro García Company and Meka Rivera explored themes of food scarcity and social meals, while One Night with Juan Diego Botto by Teresa Bellón and César F. Calvillo highlighted community dining moments.
Festival organizers announce that the Gastro Cinema program will again fuse cinema and cuisine, delivering both entertainment and cultural dialogue. The festival director explains that the edition will include both Gastro Cinema and Cinema awards as part of a broader solidarity initiative tied to the event at hand. Details of upcoming programming will be released in the schedule announcements.
guest films
The latest guest film Father Life from 2022 traces the bond between a young chef pursuing a Michelin star and his father, a vanished cook who disappeared decades earlier. The film, rich with chocolate motifs, nods to a moment of Oscar recognition with strong nominations, painting a portrait of a traditional French town where two strangers bring life back to a community through food.
Babette’s Feast stands as a landmark in gastronomic cinema from the 1980s. This Oscar and Bafta winning film presents a Danish village in the 19th century that opens its doors to the pleasures of French cuisine during an emotionally charged ceremony.
The Cook of Last Wishes follows a world class chef who loses passion for the kitchen and decides to open a new venture, offering a one million yen final meal to those willing to pay for a last taste of greatness.