A film about how food connects generations, “Food Roots” follows Emmy Award-winning television personality Billy Dec as he journeys through his mother’s native island in the Philippines in search of his ancestral recipes.
Traveling by plane, boat, motorcycle, jeepney, and on foot, Dec moves through bustling cities, remote islands, and cloud-covered mountain villages, uncovering culinary traditions and personal truths that redefine his understanding of identity, heritage, and belonging.
One of the film’s most powerful moments comes when he meets a now 108-year-old tribal tattoo master, who blesses him with a traditional tattoo symbolizing ancestral connection and continuity.
Dec’s journey has also influenced his work as Founder and CEO of the Sunda New Asian Restaurants (Chicago, Nashville, Tampa, Detroit), known for its elevated Southeast Asian cuisine inspired flavors. Elements of the film’s culinary discoveries have inspired menu items and specials across all of Sunda locations allowing guests to experience the inspiring story through food.
“I’ve always been incredibly proud of my Filipino heritage, culinary, traditions and culture, so to be able to take everyone to the other side of the world to share the beauty of the islands, people, food, and more, on American public television that I grew up on, is a dream come true.” says Dec.”
Since its film festival premiere, “Food Roots” has received strong acclaim earning the Audience Choice Award at the Vero Beach Film Festival and Nashville Film Festival, where audiences connected deeply with its emotional storytelling and cultural authenticity.
The film has screened at festival including the Chicago International Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival.
