Stephen Colbert joked that Ron Howard had finally made his first superhero movie. The statement, however, is actually rather accurate.
In “We Feed People,” Howard chronicles José Andrés’ journey from glitzy James Beard Award-winning chef (the Oscars’ culinary equivalent) to scrappy DIY humanitarian aid activist. It mightn’t scream “Marvel origin story,” but it has all the ingredients (pun intended).
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At just under 90 minutes, Howard’s documentary mirrors the pace at which Andrés himself seems to move. Here’s the synopsis:
From Haiti to Madagascar, North Carolina to the Navajo Nation, Puerto Rico to Washington, D.C., and all around the world, the food relief NGO World Central Kitchen [WCK] has sped to crisis locations to help with the most urgent of human needs: Feeding communities who suddenly find themselves with limited access to food. Founded by chef José Andrés — acclaimed restaurateur, James Beard, award-winning chef, and recipient of the National Humanities Medal — in 2010, the group is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises, and builds resilient food systems with locally-led solutions. By starting with the idea of “one plate at a time” and recruiting local communities and cooks in areas struck by disaster, WCK puts into action Andrés’ long-held belief that “big problems have very simple solutions.”
Since Andrés came to the U.S. from Spain over 30 years ago and began a remarkable culinary career that grew to locations in almost a dozen cities internationally, his passion and life’s work have gone hand in hand with activism. Seeing hunger relief as the first and most vital line of aid and one that often gets bogged down in bureaucracy and red tape, Andrés and WCK has become part of a worldwide, energetic team supporting food security one plate at a time.
“We Feed People” was produced by Brian Grazer, Howard, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Meredith Kaulfers, and Walter Matteson; and executive produced by Nate Mook, Carolyn Bernstein, Michael Rosenberg, Louisa Velis, and Richard Wolffe. Catch the world premiere on Disney+, May 27, and watch the trailer below.