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Cooking History

COOKING HISTORY
Peter Kerekes
Czech Republic/Slovakia/Austria/Finland, 2009, 88'

WEB SITE
www.cookinghistory.net


AWARDS and FESTIVALS
Special Jury Award, Hot Docs, Toronto, 2009
Silverdocs, Documentary Film Festival, 2009
Karlovy Vary, International Film Festival, 2009


PRESS QUOTE
"It is a pretty specific subject, but makes for a fascinating, Walrus Canada-s best magazine study of how food plays a key part in all human relations, even hostilities." ~ Walrus, Canada's best magazine


SYNOPSIS
Military cooks, while never mentioned in history books, have shaped the course of history. Cooking History presents portraits of various army military cooks from all over Europe who have witnessed the European wars of the 20th century. Their recollections tap into a subjective view of historical events and one that diverges in some respects from conventional beliefs. They take us on a journey through pivotal dates, facts, declarations of war, battles, and peace agreements.

This riveting film opens the door to the secrets of these unknown war historians and shows a dimension of war not found in textbooks or archives. The tales they tell convey a sense of life and death in the "war apparatus", as well as a sense of hope, longing, and survival in the midst of destruction and despair. Based on personal recollections and stories, the film takes a look behind "great moments in time" and introduces a new angle on European history.