Charismatic and handy with a persimmon, food presenter Nick Difino had a career that was taking off. His cooking series Breakfast Club, featuring vegan, vegetarian and traditional Italian dishes, had barely gone online when a most unexpected diagnosis hit: cancer. Food had already inspired his motto, "Happiness can be found everywhere…It's better if you find it at the table." But his recipes now had to guide the shell-shocked Difino on a deeper search for meaning. Part interview, part cooking lesson, part road trip, Alla Salute seeks out Difino's chef, poet and philosopher pals to share their thoughts about life's greater purpose—and the dishes their dear friend craves, but can't eat. Combining their culinary demonstrations with Difino's video diary of cancer treatment, the film asks whether a person can be truly happy despite being gravely ill. Somewhere between plates of eggplant parmesan and golden panzerotti with wild broccoli, filmmaker Brunella Filì turns up unexpected answers. Myrocia Watamaniuk
Sunday, May 5, 3:45 PM
Food & Film: Salute to Pizza
While many new faces have joined Toronto's pie scene, Pizzeria Libretto was one of the first gamechangers to revolutionize how we eat pizza. Secure your spot in this hands-on pizza-making workshop with Pizzeria Libretto's executive chef and partner Rocco Agostino. We'll explore the origins of Neapolitan pizza, and how food creates warm memories and community.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Made In Italy program presented in partnership with the Italian Trade Commission and Istituto Luce-Cinecittà.