‘Crete, Sense The Authentic Taste’ Wins in Food Film Menu 2024 Competition

Photo source: Region of Crete

The film “Crete, Sense The Authentic Taste”, released by the Region of Crete, won first place at the “International Food Film Menu 2024” competition, showcasing the richness and nutritional value of Cretan cuisine.

Organized by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT), the competition awards a collection of short films highlighting regions from around the world under the theme “Food Stories”, with the aim of raising awareness about the vital role of food in sustainable development.

Produced by Thodoris Papadoulakis in collaboration with Indigo View, the film was honored in the “Education for the Future” category, underlining the importance of Cretan cuisine in preserving and passing down local traditions from one generation to the next.

“This award validates our efforts and strategy to position Crete on the global culinary map as an authentic tourist destination offering unique experiences,” Crete Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis said.

A tribute to Cretan gastronomy

The film “Crete, Sense The Authentic Taste” was produced as part of the region’s tourism campaign “Crete, Sense the Authentic”, aimed at enhancing the island’s appeal and showcasing its gastronomy.

The story highlights the connection between grandmother, mother, and daughter, capturing the flavorful local cuisine rich in aromas and the distinctive Cretan hospitality. Viewers can witness the transfer of knowledge from the oldest generation to the youngest, preserving culinary traditions and keeping them alive.

Following the island’s designation as the “European Region of Gastronomy 2026″, regional authorities encouraged participation in the competition to strengthen Crete’s ties with other European Gastronomy Regions.

Irini Houdetsanaki-Giakoumaki, President of the Agri-Food Partnership, receiving the award from IGCAT President Diane Dodd. Photo source: Region of Crete

Additionally, with their participation, they focused on fostering new partnerships and initiatives to use gastronomy as a tool for tourism and cultural development in both Greece and Europe.

“As the European Region of Gastronomy 2026, we will continue to showcase every comparative advantage of Crete,” Arnaoutakis concluded.

Irini Houdetsanaki-Giakoumaki, President of the Agri-Food Partnership of the Region of Crete, accepted the award from Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT, on behalf of the region.