A Special Edition of the Food & Film Series
Co-presented by the UCLA Film & Television Archive and the Hammer Museum
The evening begins with an organic “school lunch” served buffet-style, in the spirit of a traditional school cafeteria—presented by Jennifer Sherman of The Alice Waters Institute and chef Luis Sierra. Rooted in the values of the Edible Schoolyard Project, the menu highlights what’s possible when we commit to real food for every student—thoughtfully grown, lovingly prepared, and shared in community. We’ll offer communal dining to encourage connection, with seating preferences accommodated as guests arrive.
Following dinner, guests are invited to cross the courtyard to the Billy Wilder Theater for a free screening of a new documentary featuring Alice’s journey to Japan, where her Slow Food Manifesto—We Are What We Eat finds deep resonance in the country’s seasonal food traditions and school lunch culture. Through intimate conversations with farmers, chefs, food system activists and educators, the film highlights the shared values between the Edible Schoolyard Project and Japanese food systems—centering on nourishment, connection, and care.
Menu Preview:
- Wine, cocktail and non-alcoholic beverages included
- Spring salad with herbed crème fraiche dressing
- Garlicky bean soup with kale pesto and cornbread
- Cookies with Tisane
Seconds encouraged just like at the school cafeteria
Proceeds from the evening will support our school-supported agriculture nonprofit, The Hammer Food Project,
helping to bring fresh, nourishing food to classrooms and communities.
Schedule:
- Dinner reservations begin at 5 PM
- Film Screening at 7:30 PM
- Post-Film Conversation at 8:40 PM with: Alice Waters, Paula Daniels (Executive Director, LA County Office of Food Systems), Anna Knight (fourth-generation farmer, Old Grove Orange), and moderated by the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies
This special evening celebrates not only a film, but a movement—one rooted in the belief that food can be a force for lasting change.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Please be sure to reserve your table before 6 pm, in order to attend the free screening at 7:30 pm
- Admission is assigned on a first come, first served basis; please pick up your ticket at the box office, which opens one hour before the event
- Our special prix-fixe menu will be served for the entire evening; menu items may change based on the availability of our farmers