Canadian Filmmakers Shine at Devour! The Food Film Fest’s 2025 Golden Tine Awards
Devour! and Nourish Nova Scotia Youth Film Challenge winners surprise and delight viewers with their take on ‘Celebrate Local’ theme.
16th Annual Devour! Food Film Festival will take place October 19-26, 2025.
From Left to Right: Scott Simpson, Ingrid Jarrett and Lesley Chesterman, Devour! Golden Tine Jury.
Nourish NS Youth Film Challenge Winner and Honourable Mentions: Ember Gaetz, Aimee Gasparetto, Nourish NS, Cohen Vardy, Ever Hare Wright.
October 26, 2025, Wolfville, NS, The 15th Annual Devour! Food Film Fest celebrated the best in culinary cinema and took us on a journey beyond the plate with 47 films and the Nourish Nova Scotia Film Challenge. This year’s jury, acclaimed food critic and writer Lesley Chesterman, Destination BC Chair Ingrid Jarrett, and Nova Scotia filmmaker Scott Simpson, awarded six Golden Tine Awards; four of the winning films were created by Canadian female directors.
“This year’s selections reminded us that food is memory, identity, and resistance,” said Ingrid Jarrett, Devour! Golden Tine Awards jury member. “We were deeply moved by the authenticity and heart in every story. The Devour! team watched over 300 films to curate a lineup that challenges how we see food — not just as sustenance, but as a lens through which to explore culture, justice, and human connection.”
Every year, Devour! and Nourish Nova Scotia host a youth film challenge. This year’s challenge had over 30 submissions, and the winning films were showcased during Devour!’s Big Picture Program and during the Opening Gala Film reception. The winner is Zero Waste & Local Food, directed by Ember Gaetz, The Booker School in Port Williams, with two runner-up films: Apples, directed by Cohen Vardy, Booker School in Port Williams and Celebrating the Backyard Harvest, directed by Ever Hare-Wright – Northeast Kings Education Center.
2025 GOLDEN TINE AWARD WINNERS
Best Short Animation
Fille de l’eau — Directed by Sandra Desmazières (France, Wasia Distribution, 15 min.)
A hauntingly beautiful watercolor animation that captures the historic story of female divers who braved deep waters. The jury called it “a touching story told through soft animation — sad, yet beautiful,” praising its fluid artistry and emotional depth.
Best Short Drama
The Feast — Directed by Rishi Chandna (India, 25 min.)
A fisherwoman takes on a powerful local politician by hosting a feast for him using an unforgettable secret dish that could save her dying lake. Set amidst traditional food rituals, The Feast stands out for its strong character work, atmospheric cinematography. The jury noted that “the tone was imperative” and they liked “how food was used to drive the story in unexpected ways”.
Honourable Mention: Best Short Drama
Mercenaire — Directed by Pier-Philippe Chevigny (Quebec, Canada, 15 min.)
This gripping short plunges viewers into a sensory experience of tension and realism. Recently released from prison, David grapples with his past and the brutality of his new job at a slaughterhouse. The jury praised its “unique cinematic voice” and “amazing sensory filmmaking,” calling it an impactful statement on power and morality.
Best Short Documentary
Ekbeh — Directed by Mariah Eli Hernandez-Fitch (U.S./Indigenous filmmaker)
While learning to make gumbo, the filmmaker shares personal stories about their grandparents. An authentic portrait of heritage, Ekbeh weaves together language, food, and cultural preservation. The jury commended its “unique style of filming” and “lovely, sometimes humorous narration,” spotlighting traditional recipes with deep personal resonance.
Best Feature Drama
Le Dernier repas (The Last Supper) — Directed by Maryse Legagneur (Quebec, Canada, Distributor Maison 4:3, 111 min.)
This emotional and visually stunning film explores memory, cuisine, and redemption through the story of life before prison in Haiti. “Heart-wrenching,” said the jury, “with incredible cinematography that beautifully connects memory, taste, and authentic Haitian cuisine.”
Best Feature Documentary (Tie)
The Chef and the Daruma — Directed by Mads Baekkevold (Canada, Distributor wallopfilm, 90 min.)
A thoughtful exploration of legendary Vancouver chef Tojo and the legacy of Japanese cuisine in Canada. The jury called it “a well-told story of impact and legacy,” lauding its clever narrative structure and “authentic desire to bring joy through food.”
Best Feature Documentary (Tie)
Agatha’s Almanac — Directed by Amalie Atkins (Canada, Distributor Blue Ice Docs, 87 min)
Agatha’s Almanac is a sensuous portrait of Agatha, a 90-year-old woman who lives a solitary life on her ancestral farm, preserving heirloom seeds. Crafted over six years on analog film with a small all-female crew, the jury described it as a cinematic love letter to gardening and self-reflection.
Celebrating Canadian Creativity
“From the poetic textures of Agatha’s Almanac to the cultural layers of Le Dernier répas and The Chef and the Daruma, Canadian filmmakers dominated the 2025 awards. “Their films prove that Canadian food storytelling is among the most emotionally resonant and globally relevant in the world today,” said Lia Rinaldo, Managing Partner, Devour! Food Film Fest.
The 16th Devour! Food Film Festival will take place from October 19-25 in 2026, in Wolfville. Devour! Studios, a year-round cultural and culinary space, will host seafood cooking courses and more events throughout the year. The studio is also available for rent; more details are available at devourstudios.com.
