Chicago Food Film Fest Sells Out, Draws Hundreds

For its second year, the Chicago Food Film Fest drew hundreds of local foodies eager to indulge in some culinary entertainment. And the festival, founded by Hamburger America creator George Motz, delivered. With four nearly sold-out events over the weekend at Kendall College and the Intellgentsia Coffee Roasting Works, the festival offered more than just movies (many of which lasted just a few minutes).

Friday night, after crowds watched films including Farm to Barstool, made by Sky Full of Bacon's Mike Gebert about Bridgeport's Pleasant House Bakery, the Butcher & Larder broke out a feast featuring a sustainable whole hog supported by sides from Frontier chef Brian Jupiter.

Saturday morning, a sold-out group jammed into Intelligentsia's Roasting Works in Fulton Market for the Doughnut Vault Brunch, where people got to eat what they watched, including DV doughnuts, macaroons from Danny Macaroon's and, of course, espresso from Intelligentsia.

Then Saturday night, the festival continued back at Kendall with pre-movie treats from Mark Steuer and the Bedford, like shrimp and grits and pork belly. Motz's film, The Mud and Blood about low-country oyster farming in South Carolina, wrapped up the film portion of the fest, but introduced that night's party: the Great Chicago Shuck 'N Suck, a massive oyster roast just off the banks of the Chicago River.

Folks then gathered Sunday for the Awards Ceremony Brunch, where awards were presented in five categories:

· Audience Choice: Buttermilk: It Can Help
· Best Super Short: The Doughnut Vault
· Best Short: Buttermilk: It Can Help
· Best Food Porn: Amor Pulpo
· Food Filmmaker of the Year: Jason Lam for How to Make a Turtle Burger

To get an idea of what went on during the weekend, take a look at Gebert's film, Farm to Barstool, and The Doughnut Vault movie below.

Farm to Barstool:

Farm To Barstool from Michael Gebert on Vimeo.

The Doughnut Vault:

The Doughnut Vault from Mode Project on Vimeo.