Tribeca Film Festival: Fries! The Movie - A Deep Dive Into Everyone's Favorite Food
Photo / Video Credit: Courtesy of Tribeca Festival
Fries! The Movie is a humorous, yet witty examination of what makes the French fry so popular and adored throughout the world. The documentary, premiering at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, takes us on a culinary journey of this niche food category, from its origins in Peru to the homes of Paris, the streets of Hong Kong, to the earliest history in Belgium, France, and United States. The documentary started in New York City, at the beloved Soho classic Balthazar’s, and in perfect timing with the city’s reopening. What you’ll witness along the way, is that fries hold a personal memory and create comfort for each and every one of us.
There is something universal about the crunch ~ Malcolm Gladwell
David Arnold, President of Museum of Food and Drinks (Center), Scott Norton and Mark Ramadan (Co-founders of Sir Kensington’s)
The documentary started with fries enthusiast Scott Norton, co-founder of Sir Kensington’s, as he embarks on the difficult task of inventing the perfect frozen fry. The most memorable part of his journey was the judge roundtable he created to rate what makes a perfect fry. Along with fellow judge Mark Ramadan and the team, they went on a French fry deep dive of waffle fries, McDonalds fries, crinkle cut fries, and the oven baked fries. The deciding factors include Crispiness – does it have the right crunch?; Inside of the fry – how is the texture?; and Chewiness – Is it potatoe-y enough?
One of the most entertaining moments was Scott’s recollection of the Fries of New York exhibition, held in the Bowery neighborhood, where 100 restaurants loaned their fries. Each displayed in a specimen jar and resin.
Director Michael Steed at the Tribeca Film Festical Premiere for Fries! The Movie.
Photo / Video Credit: Courtesy of Tribeca Festival
Directed by Michael Steed, the Emmy Winning director of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, the documentary includes world-renowned Michelin Star chef Eric Ripert, best-selling author and host of podcast Revisionist History Malcom Gladwell, founder and president of Museum of Food and Dave Arnold. The featured documentary also includes media personality Chrissy Teigen, in her first role as producer under her company ‘Suit and Thai’.
Photo / Video Credit: Courtesy of Tribeca Festival
The documentary, full of wit and captivating animations, examines fries as a cultural staple. From scenes in Pulp Fiction to Napoleon Dynamite, the French fry is no stranger to the silver screen.
The most notable of all is the visual artist Arjen Boerstra, who want to set up a French Fry Stand in Antarctica. He reminisces about his childhood upbring, where French fry stalls were a neighborhood staple. He intends to bring the traditional Dutch street food to Antarctica, where he translates the French fries into a high culture art statement.
Photo / Video Credit: Courtesy of Tribeca Festival
Michael Steed takes us all on a mouth-watering adventure in Fries! The Movie. It’s safe to say that no other food bridges our community more than that of the French Fries. While we each have our own personal story of this singular food, we can agree to its ability to bring comfort to us all. If you are looking for a new documentary to add to your que this fall, Fries! The Movie will take you for a fun deep dive through the global obsession we all have for this side dish that is center stage.
CREDITS:
The 2021 Tribeca Film Festival is made possible by the Tribeca Film Institute, the Tribeca Film Center, the city of New York, Sir Kensington’s (a Unilever brand), and Bloomberg Philanthropy. Fries! The Movie is directed by Michael Steed and produced by Zero Point Zero Films and Huntley Productions along with Chrissy Teigen.
The Premiere for Fries! The Movie took place at The Water Front Plaza at Brookfield Place. The VIP only afterparty was made possible by PJ Clarkes, Battery Park location, the perfect summer waterfront dining option with scenic views of the Hudson, the pier, and a full seafood and outdoor cocktail bar.
Article by Wen Shi, Contributing Editor, Photobook Magazine
