Fantastic Fest 2008

Brief Description:
Love, sex, jealousy, food and murder in the streets and prisons of Brazil.

Full Description:
Fantastic Fest co-founder Tim League is fond of saying that the fantastic part of this festival doesn't simply apply to films with fantastic elements, but also to films that are simply fantastic, films that are as cool as hell and that you want to show off to everyone to help spread the word about a movie that's going to impress the hell out of everyone. And have we got one of those films this year in ESTÔMAGO.

Remember that scene in GOODFELLAS where we see that even prison can't stop a group of mobsters from enjoying a great meal? ESTÔMAGO takes this even further, recounting how Nonato (Joao Miguel), a simple-minded prisoner with a talent for cooking, moves his way up the jail cell ranks (and bunk beds) through his culinary gifts. But just how Nonato ended up there, and how he got to hone his skills in the kitchen, is the real meat (as it were) of this sensational new film from writer/director Marcos Jorge. ESTÔMAGO is a recipe of all of the primal elements of life - love, sex, jealousy, food and death - that deftly juxtaposes alternate story lines of Nonato's life in and out of prison to show that no matter who or where you are, these basic needs are essential ingredients to everyone's existence. Added to the mix is some wicked black humor, a touch of tragedy, a nice, big juicy helping of murder, and a lot of great food, even if it is found in Brazil's toughest prison. It simply wouldn't be Fantastic Fest without good food and murder, now would it?

ESTÔMAGO might not be on your movie radar, but once Fantastic Fest is over, everybody's going to want some. Make your reservations for this one ASAP and don't forget to tip your hard-working wait staff. (Matt Kiernan)

Fantastic Fest is also offering an opportunity to enjoy the Estômago Feast, a four-course meal with wine pairings prepared by Alamo executive chef John Bullington. The feast is inspired by the actual dishes from the film and will be delivered to your seat as they appear on screen. This feast is available for an additional charge, but if you plan to order it, we recommend purchasing in advance HERE, as quantities will be prepped and we expect this option to sell out. Badgeholders please note: select the Badgeholder ticket option when you make your advance purchase.

Here's Chef John Bullington's menu:

Amuse
Gorgonzola on ciabatta with rosemary oil

First
Coxinhas
Traditional Brazilian dish of savory sautéed chicken and spices breaded and fried with chile sauce and garlic ants!

Second
Spagetti Puttanesca
Spaghetti tossed in a blend of heirloom tomatoes, anchovies, garlic and capers

Third
Pork Butt braised in white wine and rosemary with appaloosa beans

Fourth
Romeo and Juliet
Layers of gorgonzola and guava

All courses paired with fine Italian wine

This film is sponsored by Dark Sky Films.