Feast or Famine

Having just had its world premiere at SXSW London Festival this June, this feature-length documentary about the culinary world is directed by Michael Boccalini, Adrian Choa and Theo Gee and is narrated by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White.

The main focus is three things: a restaurant in London named ''Angelina'', the people who operate it and the Michelin stars.

What is a Michelin star? It is a star system that originated in 1900 by the Michelin Tire Companyin order to boost tire sales and has since evolved into the highest and most globally acknowledged honour a restaurant can be awarded. The maximum stars that can be given are three.

Regarding the Angelina restaurant, it is a posh restaurant with a menu that is influenced by Italian and Japanese cuisine. It was founded and currently co-owned by Josh Owens Baigler and Amar Takhar, with Usman Haider being the head chef.

Through archival footage, photographs and interviews with the individuals mentioned above and more, including Pierre White, this documentary investigates how the Angelina restaurant came to be and who the people who achieved that are, their background, how they began their careers and arrived where they are now. The Michelin star award plays a significant role in this viewing as it is what the staff of Angelina are dreaming of and do their best in order to receive this in the upcoming awards.

The overall viewing is fascinating and inspiring, with the challenges that the cooks face creating drama. Daniel Markovich's bittersweet and gentle music deserves special mention for the atmosphere that it creates.

Evidently, this film provides an insight into the culinary industry, revealing the demanding efforts that are required in order to be a professional chef and to run a restaurant. Moreover, it acknowledges the joy of having a passion and the desire to pursue goals. And crucially, it also points out that success can have unwanted consequences.

An informative and thoughtful documentary about the culinary business that introduces the viewer to some inspiring individuals and makes them aware of the significance of the Michelin stars.