A Fine Line: 5th Anniversary Celebration at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia
On October 20, 2023 in Napa, the chefs, students and the local community gathered at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the premiere of A Fine Line, the award-winning documentary that ignited a nationwide call for gender equality in the restaurant industry. The film's creator and founder & president of MAPP, Joanna James, her mother and one of the film’s stars Val James, with Celebrity Chefs Tanya Holland and Christine Ha, were at the heart of this inspiring event.
A Fine Line: A Catalyst for Change
A Fine Line delves into the staggering fact that not long ago, less than 7% of head chefs and restaurant owners were women, despite women's historic central role in kitchens. At its core, the documentary celebrates the journey of Valerie James, a small-town restaurateur and single mother who defied the odds to pursue her passion for food, while weaving together the narratives of renowned chefs such as Dominique Crenn, Lidia Bastianich, Mashama Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock offering a glimpse into the industry's inequality.
The film also tackles vital themes resonating with national conversations, from workplace harassment and equal pay to paid parental leave and career advancement. "A Fine Line" powerfully raises questions about gender equity and sets the stage for transformative discussions.
A Conversation with Culinary Stars
Following the screening, Joanna James moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring two extraordinary chefs: Tanya Holland, a multi-award-winning chef based in Northern California, and Christine Ha, who garnered fame during her time on Gordon Ramsay's "MasterChef" despite a vision impairment. Their diverse journeys in the culinary world shed light on the industry's challenges and opportunities.
Chef Tanya Holland shared a stark personal example of gender inequality from 15 years ago when her landlord insisted that her husband co-sign the lease, highlighting the deeply ingrained gender biases that persist in the industry. This is further underscored by the fact that despite women controlling 60% of the consumer index, only 2.3% of Venture Capital Funding goes to women-owned businesses. These statistics underscore the pressing need for change.
Chef Christine Ha, known for her resilience and drive to succeed in the culinary world first-ever blind contestant and season 3 winner of MasterChef, imparted wisdom about finding happiness and balance in the industry. Her advice to her younger self - learn to be content with 80% satisfaction and don't take life too seriously.
A Feast for the Senses
To cap off this memorable evening, the featured chefs prepared a multi-course dinner paired with the finest wines from the renowned Markham Vineyards in Napa Valley, a long-time supporter of MAPP. It was an unparalleled feast, not only for the palate but also for the spirit of unity and progress.
As the evening came to a close, the message was clear: the journey for gender equality in the food and hospitality industry continues. If you're inspired to host your own screening of "A Fine Line," reach out to hello@mappimpact.org.
For those who want to be part of the movement, consider becoming a MAPP Changemaker member. By joining this community, you're contributing to a sea-change of equity and empowerment for women in food and hospitality.
The celebration of A Fine Line is not just a milestone but a catalyst for change, and the journey is far from over. Here's to a future where the culinary world truly reflects the talent and diversity of its chefs.
Follow @mappimpact on instagram and watch the event recap video here.
