Set inside the refurbished walls of All Saints Church, Making Waves Film Festival and Kitchen of Hope brought a collaborative experience like no other – a dining experience immersed in the world of the film being screened.
The film itself, The Secret of the Grain (2007), is set in the south of France and follows an Arabic family through the trials and tribulations of life, intimately denoting their relationships. And the thing that brings them together? A family meal and the homemade fish couscous from the mother of the family. The same fish couscous inspires ex-husband, Slimane, who had recently been made redundant, to open a restaurant to showcase this beloved couscous.
Couscous was the key that brought the evening together, being served to guests to enjoy while they watched the story unfold.
The food was prepared by Kitchen of Hope, a project from Portsmouth City of Sanctuary that provides refugees the opportunity to cook dishes from their home countries. This charity-run kitchen cater for and brings a world of culture to events across Portsmouth a handful of times a month and at this experience, guests enjoyed a classic Arabic mezze salad, a lamb broth, a choice of fish, meat or vegetable couscous, and a delightful sweet couscous and fruit salad to finish the meal.
The real challenge for the chefs preparing a three-course meal for 50 guests, was to do so during Ramadan, a time of fasting from food and drink for those of Muslim faith. Attendees at the event were invited to join the chefs breaking their fast by eating dates at sundown, as is the tradition for the evening meal (Iftar).
The evening felt like a true celebration of culture at such an important time in the Islamic calendar, brought to life through the lens of a familial story. The cosy candle lit environment, the delicious food, and the high-quality screening (provided by Gosport Community Cinema) were a great combination for attendees to relax and feel taken care of.
The event was well supported and attended – Coastal Kitchen Family helped to supply the food and generously donated to the charity, alongside donations from attendees helping to ensure events like this can continue to be put on for the community, by the community. We would also like to thank our sponsors BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub South West for allowing us to put events like this on, and of course, Portsmouth City of Sanctuary and Kitchen of Hope for working with us on such a special event.
It goes without saying a huge thanks is needed to the chefs of Kitchen of Hope who chose the film and the menu as well as prepared and cooked it all. This event wouldn’t have been possible without you!
This event was funded by Film Hub South West via the BFI Film Audience Network in partnership with Portsmouth City of Sanctuary and The Kitch of Hope.
