Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher was often called the “Poet of the Appetites.” An actual poet, W.H. Auden, said she was “the best prose writer in America.”
There is no question that legendary Northern California-based, internationally known food writer M.F.K. Fisher (1908-92) changed the way we look at eating. Her more than 30 books and countless articles for top magazines are credited with elevating food from a domestic chore to something divine.
“Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly,” she wrote.
Bay Area director Greg Bezat captures her sprit in his documentary “The Art of Eating: The Life of M.F.K. Fisher,” which features Chefs, friends and admirers such as chefs Alice Waters and Jacques Pepin and writers Ruth Reichl and Annie Lamott.
The documentary made its world premiere at last year’s Mill Valley Film Festival. Now, Bezat and producer Gary Meyer, the longtime Bay Area film exhibitor, are traveling around the Bay Area for special screenings with Q&As as part of a campaign to acquire finishing funds for the movie, which includes purchasing the rights to photos and footage.
The campaign begins with its San Francisco premiere at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Vogue Theatre, with a 3 p.m. VIP reception, with food from Bi-Rite and wine by Merriam Vineyards, at nearby Thos. Moser Furniture Showroom. Each guest will receive exclusive gifts including an unpublished letter courtesy of the M.F. K. Fisher Literary Trust. Donations are tax deductible.
For up to date screening information, go tomfkfisherfilm.com/mfk.
“The Art of Eating: The Life of M.F.K. Fisher”:1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1. $25 movie only, $125 movie and reception. Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento St., S.F.cinemasf.com/vogue; 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 2-4 $7.75-$13.25. Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St. San Rafael.cafilm.org; Oct. 16. $15. Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland.renaissancerialto.com;Oct. 18. $15. Elmwood Theatre, 2966 College Ave., Berkeley.rialtocinemas.com/elmwood; Nov. 1. Tickets TBA. Alameda Theatre, 2317 Central Ave., Alameda. alamedatheatres.com.