Iberian Suite – Euskadi: Cocina en la cumbre

Documentary filmmaker, journalist, and author of several books on gastronomy, Hasier Etxeberria presents a cinematic reflection on the Basque Country’s culinary history, and the notoriety of its chefs and restaurateurs, followed by a discussion.

Basque Country: Cuisine on the Top

• Euskadi: Cocina En La Cumbre
• Hasier Etxeberria presents a free documentary film and lecture.
• Directed by Francisco Javier Gutiérrez and Jon Arregui, 65 minutes.

Have you ever wondered why the Basque Country has become the temple of gastronomy? Or why Donostia-San Sebastian is the city with the world’s highest Michelin star concentration per capita? This documentary reflects on the notoriety achieved through the work of Luis Irizar, Pedro Subijana, Hilario Arbelaitz, Juan Mari Arzak, and Karlos Argiñano. They were followed by others such as Martin Berasategui, Andoni Luis Aduriz, Aitor Elizegi, Eneko Atxa, Josean Alija, and Roberto Asúa–all chefs who have made and continue to make substantial contributions to the innovation and diffusion of Basque culture through its cuisine.

A documentary filmmaker, journalist, and author of numerous books on gastronomy, Hasier Etxeberria grew up in Elgoibar, Spain, but settled in Hendaye. In the early 1980s, he was witness to the so-called New Basque Cuisine movement. For the festival, Etxeberria presents two films that focus on cuisine and chefs from the Basque region. Following each screening, he takes the Family Theater stage to lead an engaging discussion. Each film is presented in Basque and Spanish with English subtitles, followed by lectures presented in Basque and Spanish with an English interpreter.

Presented as part of the Kennedy Center's International Festival IBERIAN SUITE: global arts remix.