Culinary Traditions Take on Florida

Read Time:3 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Slice Of America: Charred In The Florida Sun
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Genre: Documentary, Short
Year Released: 2024 DVD
Runtime: 42m
Director(s): Gorman Bechard
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Setting the scene in the picturesque landscapes of Stuart, Florida (just a short half-hour drive from where I used to live,) SLICE OF AMERICA: CHARRED IN THE FLORIDA SUN whisks us away on a journey of passion, tradition, and adaptation. Under the direction of Gorman Bechard (not his first go-round with a pizza doc!) and guided by Colin M. Caplan, this film takes the audience through the enterprising undertaking of Jimmy Fantin. With a dream to transplant the cherished New Haven-style pizza into Florida's food scene, this story reveals a complex layering of challenges and achievements that come with merging distinct worlds.

The heart of this story revolves around Fantin, whose fervent passion for New Haven’s iconic pizza drives his quest to establish Fantini's New Haven-style Pizza. Determined to recreate this culinary treat in a setting far from its home, the documentary delves deep into Jimmy's world, showcasing his painstaking efforts, from selecting the perfect ingredients to perfecting the iconic char that defines his hometown's pizza.

Bechard and Caplan's collaborative effort adds flavor to the documentary, mixing historical context with Fantin's experiment. Their partnership captures the essence of culinary heritage wrestling with contemporary challenges, making a case for the significance of preserving food traditions amid globalization.

The story explores the broader theme of regional cuisines transcending their origins to find new homes in unfamiliar territories. This serves as a bridge, connecting viewers with the idea that food does more than satiate; it narrates stories of migration, acceptance, and transformation.

SLICE OF AMERICA documents a culinary journey; it champions the delicate art of balancing innovation. The film invites its audience to ponder the potential of fusing traditional dishes with local flavors without losing the essence that defines them. This culinary journey stitches together a patchwork of tastes, trials, and triumphs, leaving viewers with a deep appreciation for the intricate dance of food adaptation.

The documentary celebrates the enduring allure of New Haven-style pizza and its capability to mix into the fabric of a new community, enriching it with its flavors and history. It concludes on a note that resonates with anyone fascinated by the journey of food entrepreneurship and the enduring ties of culinary heritage. Who would have ever thought a documentary on pizza could be so intriguing?

For those drawn to this savory tale, SLICE OF AMERICA: CHARRED IN THE FLORIDA SUN is available on DVD and various streaming platforms. Those eager to explore the legacy of New Haven pizza can engage with Caplan’s detailed writings or Bechard’s previous documentary works, both of which delve into the profound cultural impact of this beloved dish.

Bonus Materials:
Q&A from the world premiere in Stuart, Florida
Introduction with Mayor from world premiere in Stuart, Florida
trailer
director's commentary
Jimmy Shows Us the New Space
Colin, Gorman & Karina East at Fantini's
Colin at the Beach
Colin Answers the Phone
Colin & Jimmy Joking Around
Christopher's Message to his Dad
Boat Ride B-roll

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[photo courtesy of WHAT WERE WE THINKING FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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