My relationship with CHEESE is forever changed.
SHELF LIFE is part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).
I had an idea that this film would be quirky, but no idea about how the director would make it so. Normally when you go on a documented culinary journey, no matter what the cuisine, it leaves you craving for that food. You go because you’re a foodie and looking to find out more about a particular chef, or the origins of a certain dish or perhaps pick up some tips on how to prepare or serve it.
Unlike the documentary I saw at VIFF “The Chef and the Daruma” where I wanted to go for sushi right after; “Shelf Life” makes me want to question any cheese I put in my mouth. Says the woman who bit into a piece of soap thinking it was fudge because of its packaging. Anyway, it was a very interesting doc nonetheless. The scenery is breathtaking and each cheese maker is passionate about what they do.
This was a mid-morning documentary held at the historic Palm Canyon Theatre; a former school gymnasium which was transformed into a local theatre by a family from Kentucky and is still thriving almost 30 years later. This non-profit organization (on loan for PSIFF) is dedicated to the education of live stage productions for the enrichment of the greater Palm Springs community and its visitors. I love the feel of a rickety old-fashioned theatre with chandeliers.
Plus, you never know who you’re going to meet at 10:30 am in the pass holder line up for a film about cheese. So many interesting patrons. I met Jane, a pro film festival circuit regular who used to be Sonny Bono’s neighbor. Bono; the late mayor of Palm Springs, founded the Palm Spring Film Festival in 1989. It has grown substantially since then. We thank him for that, but also we thank him for helping discover a gal named Cher. Must say, the man had a good eye.
I also met a woman from Vancouver, BC seated in the next row who used to run the “Hollywood” theatre in Vancouver for many years. The very same elegant single-screen neighborhood cinema that I used to go to, especially for the $5 two-for-one ticketed Monday night special of movies that just left theatrical release. Best popcorn and Nanaimo Bars (only those in the know, know what that is).
But I totally digress….let’s get back to cheese. The documentary runs some parallels between the shelf life of cheese to those of humans. Because over time, we all get moldy but I never realized that this film would make me question my own mortality.
We all have a shelf life and don’t get me started on all the living micro-organisms that live on cheese – at least at the start. It’s not the most palatable or pleasing sight. And don’t think any of us were expecting that. Blue cheese might have to take a back seat for a bit.
Director Ian Cheney takes us on a journey through the world of cheese from places we already know make it like England & Switzerland, to places we had no idea make (or used to make it) such as Egypt and Japan. The cheese monger at the very beginning and ending of this intriguing and at times disturbing doc, reminded me a bit of John Malcovitch by his eccentric attitude and delivery.
After exiting the theatre I bumped into several people I know coming out of the same film. This is a somewhat small resort town with cultured people who enjoy cheese and supporting our local film festival. All in all, the reviews were mixed and thought-provoking for this unique documentary.
Then they said “cheese” standing in front of the PSIFF backdrop.
This Film has an Inspired Dinner scheduled at Eight4Nine Restaurant on Wednesday, January 9th. Seperate ticket neccessary. Check here for availability
For Tickets:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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