Food and Film Series returns for fall semester

The Food & Film Series at the Art Mission and Theater is continuing this fall with an enticing lineup of international films and local restaurant pairings.

The fall series features food-themed films, one per month until December. Before the film begins, theatergoers will have the opportunity to sample film-inspired treats from a local restaurant.

Each film showing will start with an introduction by Ingeborg Majer-O’Sickey, associate professor of German and Russian studies and women’s studies, who created the Food and Film Series last spring.

“There’s a lot going on in Binghamton that students don’t know about, and the series is designed to offer another cultural venue for students,” Majer-O’Sickey said. “By now, we’ve made the Art Mission and Theater a place for film and food lovers to meet and enjoy great films along with luscious samples of film-themed food.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the theater will show the 1994 Taiwanese film “Eat Drink Man Woman,” with samples provided by Cooktruck, a food truck based in Binghamton, with cuisine inspired by local and seasonal ingredients.

Chef Tony Shaw, owner of Cooktruck, recently moved to the area. His participation in the Food and Film Series will mark his food truck’s Binghamton debut.

“I think it’s great that the theater does a series of films about food,” said Shaw, who will be providing Asian cuisine to go with the Taiwanese film. “Its a great way for local restaurants to gain exposure to people who are interested in food and reach out to that particular audience.”

Bonnie Stacconi Phelps, owner of Baked Euphoria in Endwell, will provide food for the showing of the 2000 film “Chocolat” on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Majer-O’Sickey said she asked Stacconi Phelps to provide sweets for the film, not knowing her connection to it.

“I love that movie,” Stacconi Phelps said. “It’s my favorite movie. It’s the movie that inspired me to open my first shop.”

Stacconi Phelps said she is excited for Baked Euphoria, a cake and pastry shop, to participate in the Food & Film Series. “The series brings culture and a sense of community to our area,” she said. “Anything that does that is awesome.”

The remaining fall schedule is:

· Oct. 10: “Eat Drink Man Woman” (1994). Food courtesy of Cooktruck.
· Nov. 14: “Chocolat” (2000). Food courtesy of Baked Euphoria.
· Dec. 5: “Mostly Martha” (2001). Food courtesy of The Loft.

Each series event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Art Mission and Theater, at 61 Prospect Ave. The cost is $15 for regular admission and $10 for students. It is recommended to reserve tickets in advance by calling 722-6914. All proceeds will go to Art Mission and Theater.

Visit artmission.org for more information.