World Premiere
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.
The October 3 screening of The Chef & the Daruma is a Relaxed Screening. Relaxed Screenings are open to ANYONE who would benefit from a less restrictive and sensory-friendly experience. Learn more about Relaxed Screenings here.
Media Partner
Hidekazu Tojo
Canada
2024
In English and Japanese with English subtitles
Coarse language
Open to youth at SFU Woodwards & Lochmaddy Studio Theatre
At Fifth Avenue
Book Tickets
Monday September 30
Thursday October 03
Saturday October 05
Sunday October 06
Indigenous & Community Access
Credits & Director
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
Mads K. Baekkevold
Mads K. Baekkevold, born in Norway and earning a BA in film directing at Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore, has built his career while constantly on the move.
From working as a senior creative at Media.Monks in Amsterdam to working through Asia and being part of a Cannes Lions-awarded creative team, Mads has a curiosity for people, their stories, their customs—and, of course, food.
Now based in the Pacific Northwest, he has completed his latest film, The Chef & the Daruma (2024), alongside writer and creative producer Natalie Murao.
Insights
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The Chef & the Daruma
The inventor of the California Roll, chef Hidekazu Tojo helped bring sushi to mainstream popularity through his renowned Vancouver restaurant, Tojo's. The Chef & the Daruma is a mouthwatering film touching on immigration, identity, and reinvention.
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