José Andrés possesses the enthusiasm and drive of dozens of people, despite the fact that he is only one man. His outsized talents and attitude propelled him to recognition as one of the first modern celebrity chefs after he arrived in New York from Spain in 1991. His Jaleo restaurant in Washington, D.C., began off an expansion that eventually included about 30 restaurants, cookbooks, a variety of kitchen goods, lectures at major institutions, and TV appearances.
The closer Andrés got to have it all, the more aware he became of how many others didn’t, as Ron Howard documents in “We Feed People.”
Andrés’ non-profit, World Central Kitchen, was founded in 2010, but it really took off in 2017 in response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. When he ran into bureaucratic roadblocks from government agencies, he pushed them aside impatiently in his drive to develop his own, long-term help program.
“I am skilled at finding opportunities where others see mayhem,” he says in the movie. So, as President Trump was tossing paper towels into a dejected audience, Andrés and his team were scouring the country for secure kitchens, any accessible water and food, chefs to cook, and volunteers to distribute.
As they analyze a map of places in need, he educates a local member of the Puerto Rican aid team, “We don’t just feed them.” “We build systems,” says the author.
The camera, which is often held by members of the volunteer team, follows him from one damaged hamlet to the next for the majority of the film. Earthquakes, storms, and volcanoes all necessitate a new system, and Andrés’ method is unique in how he rethinks tried-and-true tactics. Most notably, he forcibly refuses the government’s easy, barely edible MREs in favor of locally influenced, personally prepared meals.
Though this strategy appears to be more sophisticated, it is surprisingly more practical, as it makes use of readily available supplies, supports struggling enterprises, and provides both emotional and physical sustenance when and where it is most needed.
Howard also gives us glimpses into Andrés’ overburdened life: his brave wife and beloved daughters, the volunteers he motivates, and the staffers who must find practical means to carry out his lofty vision — and who are sternly chastised if they don’t or can’t. A debate with a colleague that touches on bullying is one of the film’s most enthralling scenes. Andrés insists on explaining himself to an unconvinced witness, talking over her as she tries to silence him.
However, these humanizing segments are far too brief; a larger number of personal experiences would have made the picture feel completer and more comprehensive. Climate-conscious viewers may also wish that the film had gone deeper into the ramifications of so many of these calamities, which, as Andrés points out, are now multiplying at an alarming rate.
In terms of charity, inventiveness, and practical application, his hands-on commitment to literally millions of global citizens is truly remarkable. However, without the complexity of other links, the film (executive produced by WCK CEO Nate Mook and Richard Wolffe, managing director of José Andrés Media) may come across as more advertorial than cinematic.
“We Feed People” appears to be a companion piece to WCK’s photobook “We Fed an Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico One Meal at a Time,” as well as Andrés’ vibrant, on-location social media films. The film could simply be shown at a World Central Kitchen gala to encourage attendees to contribute more.
However, the film is a complete success in terms of teaching and, more importantly, motivation. Those who are unfamiliar with WCK, as well as those who are familiar with it, will be astounded to learn how individual efforts may genuinely make a difference.
While hurrying to yet another disaster, Andrés observes that there will never be a shortage of need. Many people may choose to stop watching the movie and head straight to his Twitter page to learn more. They’ll probably find him in Odessa, Lviv, or any of the border towns where his crew is currently feeding hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian migrants the week the film opens at SXSW 2022.
In May, Disney+ will debut “We Feed People.”