HALIFAX, N.S. (August 6, 2014) – Emmy-award winning CNN television host Anthony Bourdain will join Devour! The Food Film Fest for the opening night gala on November 12 in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
The host of CNN’s Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown and judge of ABC’s The Taste, as well as Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and The Layover (Travel Channel), Bourdain is also a New York Times bestselling author whose book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly propelled him to international stardom.
“We are thrilled that an international writer, journalist and culinary personality like Anthony Bourdain wants to be part of Devour!” said Michael Howell, festival executive director. “We strive to educate and entertain through the lens of food. To have a guest of his calibre is perfectly aligned with our vision.”
Bourdain will attend the Opening Gala Reception in the Fountain Commons at Acadia University. Twelve of Nova Scotia’s best chefs will come together to create a feast for the senses that celebrates cuisine and cinema. This signature Nova Scotia event will feature an Order of Good Cheer celebration inducting all visiting chefs and celebrities.
Festival organizers said Bourdain took a hands-on role by selecting his all-time favourite food film to open the festival. “Following the gala, Mr. Bourdain will introduce the opening festival screening of Eat Drink Man Woman, directed by Ang Lee,” said Lia Rinaldo, Devour! managing director. “He has personally selected this film, will participate in an audience Q&A session afterward and then conclude the night by hosting a one-hour book signing at the Devour! Opening Gala Post-Reception.”
Festival partner, Nova Scotia Tourism Agency, says this is not only a success for Devour!, but for the entire province.
“People visit Nova Scotia seeking the authentic, unique experiences we’ve become known for, ” said Allan Rowe, Dartmouth South MLA, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson. “Innovative events like this help attract first-time visitors to Nova Scotia and drive the economy in many communities. Devour! presents a great opportunity to showcase Nova Scotia’s cuisine to culinary icon Anthony Bourdain and the guests who will gather in Wolfville for this year’s festival.”
A limited number of tickets, which include the opening reception, gala film and post-reception, are available for $150 starting today at 11 a.m. through TicketPro.
Devour! is also pleased to welcome Margaret and David Fountain as the festival’s first official private donors and the leading supporters of the arts community. Their significant and generous gift has paved the road for future growth and shows a huge vote of confidence in Devour! and the community in which it takes place.
Guests at today’s announcement enjoyed Benjamin Bridge’s Nova 7 served by festival partner Bishop’s Cellar, and Nova Scotia oysters shucked by Trevor and Michelle Munroe of Sober Island Oysters Ltd. The event, held at The Bicycle Thief in Halifax, was a tribute to how Bourdain’s life was forever changed at a young age by eating a raw oyster, setting him on a culinary path to international acclaim.
Following yesterday’s announcement, a limited number of tickets for the opening reception, gala film and post-reception were released. They sold out in less than 24 hours! Additional tickets to the gala, film and industry sessions will be available in September, after the complete program is announced at the Toronto Film Festival.
Organizers will announce the complete program during the Toronto International Film Festival in early September. Festival packages, film and industry session tickets will be available at that time.
For more information on Devour! The Food Film Fest, visit https://devourfest.com.
ABOUT DEVOUR! THE FOOD FILM FEST
Devour! The Food Film Fest is an international festival celebrating cinema, food and wine culture. The five-day festival takes place in the culinary epicenter of Nova Scotia – the town of Wolfville, Kings County. The festival is a celebration of food on film, the culture of food and the dramatic impact it has on our day-to-day lives. The fourth edition of Devour! The Food Film Fest is slated for November 12-16, 2014.
ABOUT THE LOCATION
Only one hour from Halifax, the Town of Wolfville and Kings County provide the perfect setting for the festival. It is situated in a rich agricultural area and is also home to one of Canada’s top universities, a number of historic theatres and an assortment of unique local venues that are all within walking distance and are set against the beautiful landscapes of hills, valleys, rivers and the mighty Bay of Fundy.
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Media Contact:
Robyn McIsaac
robyn@devourfest.com
(902) 440-1551
