SIFF: Deconstructing Dani García

Description

A Spanish haute cuisine chef whose two-Michelin-star restaurant closes must reinvent himself through a creative journey that includes finding a new location, discovering talented chefs, and developing a delectable menu.

In January 2014, Spanish Michelin star-awarded chef Dani Garcia came to a crucial crossroads in his career. The restaurant Garcia cooked at decided not to continue as an establishment, leaving him scrambling to come up with a new idea and a new kitchen to manage. Food for Garcia has always been a celebration, whether it be in his mother’s house, eating her home cooked meals with his young daughters, or in a chaotic kitchen mastering a more nouvelle cuisine menu. Yet sometimes he second-guesses himself—wondering if all the stress, nights away from his family, and financial difficulties are even worth it. Deconstructing Dani García is a documentary that chronicles Garcia’s rise and fall and rise again as he loses everything and, with the support of his closest friends and family, begins anew, opening a visionary establishment in New York that combines haute cuisine with more accessible dining. Celebrating not only delicious food and the talent of Garcia, Deconstructing Dani García is a flavorful and inspirational look at creativity and dedication in the face of adversary.

Director Biography: lñigo Ruiz graduated in journalism from the University of Navarra. His documentary Closer to Gasol covers the Catalonian basketball player’s first year in Memphis. Alfonso Cortés-Cavanillas is a renowned film director and television producer with a long career. After 17 years at Canal + Spain, he decided to start his own production company, La Caña Brothers, where he has produced feature films, documentaries, TV shows, and much more.