For 36 years, Tojo’s has been a mainstay in the Vancouver food scene, beloved by critics, foodies, and a plethora of celebrities. A pioneer of Japanese cuisine in the West, chef Hidekazu Tojo helped bring sushi to the mainstream and is known as the inventor of the California Roll. Still working in his seventies, chef Tojo is inspired to look back on his life and ponder the legacy he will leave behind. He recalls his early years as a Japanese immigrant, coming to Canada at the age of 21, and his ambition to create a singular culinary path. We also accompany the chef on a return trip to Japan, where he connects with locals and explores new food trends.
Shot in Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Japan, The Chef & the Daruma is a mouth-watering film tracing a journey of immigration, identity, and reinvention. Mads K. Baekkevold, in his first feature documentary, creates a loving tribute to a man who has devoted his life to sharing food.
Mads K. Baekkevold
Hidekazu Tojo
Canada
2024
In English and Japanese with English subtitles
Education Resources
Primary Curriculum Interests:
- 20th Century World History 12
- Political Studies 12
- Explorations in Social Studies 11
- Social Studies 9 + 10
- Asian Studies 12
- Comparative Cultures 12
- Explorations in Social Studies 11
- Literary Studies 10-12
- English 9-12
- Japanese 9-12
Credits
Executive Producer
Matt Lawrence Dix
Producer
Luis Guerra
Screenwriter
Natalie Murao
Cinematography
Kaayla Whachell
Editor
Anna Chiyeko Shannon
Production Design
Megan MacAulay
Original Music
Masahiro Takahashi
In-Cinema & Online
Date |
Time |
Venue |
| May 7 | 12:30 pm | VIFF Cinema, VIFF Centre |
| May 14 | 9:30 am | VIFF Cinema, VIFF Centre |
| May 5–16 | N/A | VIFF Connect (online streaming) |
How to Book
Free for schools, capacity for all films is limited. To book, submit your request with the online form below. Our Ignite team will respond to confirm availability and complete your booking.
Questions? Contact our Ignite team at [email protected]