Emmy Winner and founder/CEO of Sunda New Asian, Billy Dec, will be joining his collaborators at the Chicago International Film Festival for the screening of their doc, Food Roots.
The team consisting of producer Ronnie Del Carmen (Up, Inside Out), producer and creative agency COACT, producer Mike McNamara (Chicago Fire), and producer and CEO of Nashville Public Television, Becky Magura will also be showing the documentary at the prestigious Nashville Film Festival, and Newport Beach Film Festival (and more yet to be announced).
As these screenings take place during Filipino American History Month in October, they feel it’s incredibly important to share the stories of the culture, people, and the impact that awareness brings to the Filipino community.
In Food Roots, after receiving devastating news of family loss on the other side of the world, Dec journeys to his mother’s native 7,641 Islands of the Philippines to find his last remaining elders, and himself. He travels by motorcycle, boat, plane and on foot to find and preserve the lost recipes of his ancestors, discover culinary and cultural treasures, and learn family stories that forever change his life.
Fellow Executive Producer, Doug Blush says, “Food Roots is that magic balance between a deeply personal story and a larger cultural journey – the joy of travel, adventure and fantastic food with a resonant story of loss, family bonds and self-discovery. I’ve been lucky to be a part of some special, emotional films over the years, and when we got to the final act of Food Roots, I knew we had something really special here.”
Director Michele Josue adds, “As a Filipino-American director who tells in-depth, personal and heartfelt stories often overlooked by the mainstream, I am committed to telling Filipino stories in the authentic ways they deserve to be told. Food Roots has given me the opportunity to expand my commitment to authentic Filipino and Fil-Am centered storytelling. Personally speaking, Billy’s story is one that resonated with me deeply, as I too have struggled with issues of identity—not feeling American enough nor Filipino enough. It’s been an honor to help share Billy’s story and to have gotten to know Billy and his family, who have bravely shared their personal struggles and triumphs in hopes that others feel less alone.”
Dec says, “Growing up Filipino-American in hospitality and entertainment, having this opportunity to share Food Roots during Filipino American History Month, is a full circle moment for me. I was able to take this soul-searching journey, uncovering uncomfortable truths, in the most honest and real way possible, emerging with an incredible team and project, that deeply focuses on the people, the culture and the food that has been an essential part of who I am.”
Dec returns to the states with a deeper understanding of his heritage, which inspired many of the featured menu items at Sunda New Asian.
Some of the dishes and recipe specials found on this adventurous Food Roots journey will be part of an October Filipino American History Month menu at Sunda newest location in Fulton Market Chicago.
FOOD ROOTS Festival Events Include:
- Nashville Film Festival World Premiere – September 30th – SOLD OUT
- Nashville Film Festival Second Screening – October 4th
- Newport Beach Film Festival Screening – October 16th
- Chicago International Film Festival Screenings – October 19th and October 21st (with closed captioning on the 21st)
To purchase tickets to the Food Roots screenings, FoodRootsFilm.com.
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