It is common knowledge that the Mediterranean Diet is beneficial for the human health. But how exactly do specific ingredients in it affect different parts of the human body? And how can a centuries-old tradition based on austerity and seasonality provide solutions to some of the most important problems of the modern world?
“The Perfect Meal”, directed by Alexandros Merkouris, travels from Greece and Cyprus to Italy, Spain, France, England, Sweden and the USA, to reveal the secrets of the Mediterranean Diet.
According to the official announcement of the production company, “It is no secret that food has a positive or negative influence on our body. And many of us know that the Mediterranean Diet – consisting of plant based foods such as vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes and fruits, with few or no animal products – is good for our health. But few of us know how particular plants affect different parts of our body, but also how the food we eat can act as medicine, if used correctly. “The Perfect Meal” explores the most recent science behind the Mediterranean diet, looking into the pioneering research which seeks to understand why and how certain food combinations can prevent heart disease, cancer, obesity and brain aging.”
The experts that appear on screen are people who have dedicated their lives to understanding the Mediterranean Diet and propose “the perfect meal” for our health, but also the health of the planet. The documentary features, among others, Nikolaos Skarmeas (EKPA – Columbia University), Antonia Trihopoulou (Hellenic Health Foundation), Smaragdi Antonopoulou (Harokopion University), Walter Willett (Harvard University), Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez (University of Navarra), Cecilia Samieri (INSERM) and award-winning chefs Marianna Livaditaki and Xavier Pellicer. The scientific advisor is Mary Giannakoulia (Harokopion University).
The documentary is a co-production between Greece, France, Spain and Korea, produced by Anemon Productions, Yuzu Productions, Abacus and Bassim Pictures. It was co-produced by ARTE, COSMOTE TV, ERT, RTVE and RTS and with the support of Creative Europe, EKOME, CNC, KOCCA and Atsas, distributed by First Hand Films.
The documentary premiered on Wednesday, September 13 at the Danao Cinema, and will be followed by screenings in Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos and Rethymno, as part of the Foodprint Photography Exhibition presented at EMST – National Museum of Contemporary Art (opening: September 14 2023).
THE PERFECT MEAL
Director: Alexandros Merkouris
2023 | Greece, France, Spain, Korea| 70’
More Information
https://www.instagram.com/foodprintproject/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cww3XaVItLq/
