The Detroit Free Press’ documentary “Coldwater Kitchen” has been chosen to be a part of the 2025 American Film Showcase, an initiative that screens curated films from the United States at embassies around the world. This partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts aims to share American stories with international audiences.
The documentary follows the culinary training program at Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, Michigan, where students learn the skills needed for success in fine dining restaurant kitchens. The film features Chef Jimmy Lee Hill and three of his students as they face challenges in prison and work towards rebuilding their lives after incarceration.
Co-directed by Free Press executive video producer Brian Kaufman and former Free Press restaurant critic Mark Kurlyandchik, “Coldwater Kitchen” premiered in Michigan at the Freep Film Festival in 2023 and had its world premiere at DOC NYC, the largest documentary film festival in the U.S. The film also won the James Beard Foundation media award for best documentary in 2023.
The American Film Showcase includes acclaimed documentaries like “Crip Camp,” “Free Solo,” and “Summer of Soul,” providing a diverse view of American life and sparking cross-cultural dialogue with international audiences. This program connects people through the power of visual storytelling and showcases the rich tapestry of American experiences.
To learn more about “Coldwater Kitchen,” visit www.coldwaterkitchen.film.