We had a great evening at the London Premiere of A Fine Line: a woman’s place is in the kitchen, an award winning documentary about the experiences of woman chefs. Hailed by Vanity Fair as the “Best Documentary by a First-Time Filmmaker,” the film celebrates world-renowned women chefs and looks at gender inequality in the industry. It began with the startling statistic that fewer than 7% of restaurant owners in the US are women and it is easier for women to become CEOs than head chefs.
The film focuses on Val James, mother of film maker Joanna James, and her experiences as a restaurant owner. It includes fascinating interviews with glittering stars of the US restaurant scene.
It was great that LDE London could support this screening, along with organisers MAPP, a not for profit organisation dedicated to empowering women in the hospitality and culinary industry, and Women in the Food Industry.
After a VIP reception with irresistible canapés from Dipna Anand and beverages from Amandla and Pepsico, our very own Kate Howell introduced the evening.
This was a real treat, with film maker Joanna James talking about her film and joining the panel discussion after the screening. With her on the panel were chefs Asma Khan, Sally Abé, Chantelle Nicholson and Kiran Verma, led by Mex Ibrahim of Women in the Food Industry – it was a lively discussion, with lots of questions from a fascinated audience.
Along with Kate, Dames Cathy and Clare Donovan were at the event – there was lots of interest in LDE London and what we are all about!
