Join us as we explore the creative journey of Jacek Szymański, a filmmaker who sees the world through a lens that beautifully marries the art of cinema with the culinary world. Together, we uncover the layers of storytelling, emotion, and artistic expression behind the intersection of food, art and philosophy in films dedicated to renowned chefs.
Agnieszka Celej: What is the compelling force that attracts you to creating films about chefs?
Jacek Szymański: To attend a starred restaurant is like watching a performance. These renowned chefs create an ambiance that is not accidental; it’s not that they are competing with each other—they observe each other, see each other, but there is nothing forced. The creative aura is perfectly aligned with them. These individuals are such fountains of creativity that just crafting on the plate is not enough. The entire arrangement is crucial: our surroundings, where we are, it all works together harmoniously. For some people this is too much, but I think the whole experience is a masterpiece.
It’s an exciting challenge to transfer all of these into a moving picture. In my latest movie “Nature Odyssey” I tried to show this by involving a potter and a carpenter. It demonstrates that it’s not just about the food, but the entire space and philosophy of the food being created is a shared composition.
