FOOD ROOTS

Documentary

Food Roots

Produced by 3-time Oscar Award-Winning Executive Producer Doug Blush, Emmy Winning Director Michele Josue, and scored by Grammy Award Winning Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.De.Ap, Billy’s inaugural, award-winning documentary, FOOD ROOTS, explores themes of self-discovery, multicultural influence, and family heritage. After receiving devastating news of family loss on the other side of the world, Dec leaves Nashville to journey through his mother’s native 7,641 Islands of the Philippines to find his last remaining elders, and himself. He travels by motorcycle, boat, plane and on foot to find and preserve the lost recipes of his ancestors, discover culinary and cultural treasures, and learn family stories that forever change his life.
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“In Food Roots, Emmy award winning restaurateur, Billy Dec embarked on a journey to bridge his cultural food identity and family ties in the Philippines after the death of his Lola (grandmother). By sharing some of his rawest losses and struggles during his Chicago upbringing and connections to his Filipino family, this beautifully woven story became an inspiration for all of us to look for a deeper understanding of our own heritage. Having Billy here at the Vero Beach Film Festival was special for our audience and they chose the documentary film, Food Roots to be the Audience Choice Winner. Billy is as wonderful in person as he is on the screen and we were blown away. People here are still talking about this film and we are planning a trip to Tampa for dinner at his restaurant, Sunda!”

Susan Horn, Co-Founder Vero Beach Film Festival

"Food Roots" was truly an extraordinary experience. This documentary provided viewers with a unique opportunity to see Billy Dec not only as a top restaurateur and serial entrepreneur but also as a person of remarkable depth. As Billy embarked on a journey to his mother's native 7641 Islands of the Philippines to learn recipes from the last living elders, he managed to strike a chord with all of us who hold cherished family memories tied to moments spent around the table with family and friends.
His genuine transparency and honesty regarding the challenges families encounter in staying united through life's hardships were not only refreshing but also left audiences feeling hopeful about the legacy we can might leave behind. Through "Food Roots," Billy Dec beautifully portrayed the power of food, family, and storytelling to bridge generations, celebrate cultural heritage, and inspire meaningful connections that endure beyond time and distance.”

Gayle Guyardo, Bloom Host, Nexstar Media Inc