Billy Dec’s documentary Food Roots shares a heartfelt journey to the Philippines

Food Roots, a documentary from Billy Dec, premiered at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (Chicago IFF) on October 19 at the AMC NEWCITY 14, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago. It shares the culinary journey of Billy Dec as he travels to the Philippines. The inspiration to capture this film came to Dec when he lost two of his last three elders on the same day. He immediately traveled to his mom's native 7,641 islands of the Philippines to reconnect with his family and preserve the lost recipes he grew up with.

Theatergoers could walk the red carpet and pose for photos with Billy Dec and the team that helped create Food Roots. As we headed into the theater, I asked Dec if he was excited to premiere his film in Chicago. Dec shared, "I'm very nervous. This is my life. There's a different part of the story you've never heard. You're about to uncover something that might make you shocked!"

Many Chicago locals know Billy Dec as an entrepreneur, creative leader, Emmy Award-winning TV persona, actor, philanthropist, and restaurateur. He's also the Founder/CEO of Sunda New Asian, which has locations in Chicago, Nashville, and Tampa. Billy Dec has created a personality we have all come to know. He's the life of the party, often hanging with celebrities. Food Roots shares a softer side to Dec, and this vulnerability draws the viewer deeper into the film's story.

Food Roots dives into finding Dec's heritage as he travels the Philippines; he connects with relatives and cooks delicious dishes. Along the way, we also learn about Dec's struggles with being bullied as a Filipino-American child. He also touches on mental illness by sharing personal stories about his own family. The film shows a side to Dec many of us have never seen, and I understand why he was so nervous at the premiere. I loved getting to know this new side of Dec I had never seen before.

"Growing up Filipino-American in Chicago and having this opportunity to share FOOD ROOTS during Filipino American History Month is a full circle moment for me. I was able to take this soul-searching journey, uncovering my uncomfortable truths in the most honest and real way possible, emerging with a project that deeply focuses on the people, the culture, and the food that has been an essential part of who I am. The fact that I can share my experience and story while highlighting Filipino culture – my roots -- with the world, specifically Chicago, the city that gave me everything, is profoundly rewarding.", shares Billy Dec in a press release from Food Roots.

Three-time Oscar award-winning executive producer Doug Blush shares in a press release with Chicago Star Media, "FOOD ROOTS is that magic balance between a deeply personal story and a larger cultural journey - the joy of travel, adventure, and fantastic food with a resonant story of loss, family bonds, and self-discovery. I've been lucky to be a part of some special, emotional films over the years…and when we got to the final act of FOOD ROOTS…I knew we had something really special here."

"Billy's story is one that resonated with me deeply, as I, too, have struggled with issues of identity—not feeling American enough nor Filipino enough. It's been an honor to help share Billy's story and to have gotten to know Billy and his family, who have bravely shared their personal struggles and triumphs in hopes that others feel less alone," shares Filipina director Michele in a Food Roots press release.

Food Roots is an inspirational journey. It is a story about food, family, and culture. I'm glad Billy Dec could take this trip and connect with his past. The film ends with a family dinner in the States, where Dec teaches a new generation the secret family recipes. Food Roots digs into your heart and blossoms into a beautiful tale about life centered around food.