Life & Work with Beth Elise Hawk

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Elise Hawk.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a late bloomer. It is only recently – after a career in both entertainment law, and as an independent producer – that I found my true calling as a documentary filmmaker. Luckily, I have discovered that the skills you learn in one part of your life often prove useful in the next chapters.

Originally, I worked in the Business and Legal Affairs Department of Walt Disney Studios, playing a large part in the behind-the-scenes facets of films released through Hollywood Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures, including High Fidelity, starring John Cusack, and Mystery, Alaska, starring Russell Crowe. With the knowledge acquired, I transitioned to a more creative role as an independent producer, producing projects including MTV’s television show EYE CANDY, based on the R.L. Stine book that starred Victoria Justice, as well as the award-winning documentary, “FAN-DEMANIUM,” which followed ten soccer-obsessed fans from ten countries during the World Cup. The lessons I learned producing the latter – from its inception to the final product on screen – was effectively my film school. And that experience enabled me to direct, produce and write the documentary feature film BREAKING BREAD.

BREAKING BREAD tells the story of the A-Sham Arabic Food Festival in Haifa, Israel, where Jewish and Arab chefs transcend differences as they collaborate on mouthwatering dishes. Tagline: “hummus has no borders.” Rogerebert.com referred to the film as “food porn with a social conscience.” It played over 70 film festivals around the world; had theatrical releases in Australia, New Zealand, and in more than 70 cities in the US in 2022; won multiple awards, including Napa Valley Film Festival’s Audience Award for “Favorite Culinary Cinema Film;” garnered wonderful national reviews (91% on Rotten Tomatoes); and is now available to watch at home on various platforms including Amazon Prime.

( https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B09PQSF1PJ/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r )

BREAKING BREAD is a story about finding our commonality as human beings rather than focusing on the divide. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to share this hopeful film with a wide audience, to spark conversation, and spread positivity.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The obstacles I faced were the usual struggles that come with documentary filmmaking – figuring out how to solve problems when you are working on a string budget. Whether it is through calling in favors, scrappiness, or thinking outside the box, there is almost always a solution. And when you find it, it is all the more satisfying.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always been a huge fan of films and television shows in which food is, in effect, a character. We all eat; we all have memories that transport us like Anton Ego’s whisk-to-childhood when he savors the ratatouille. When food is on the screen, there is an inherent connection; we assign personal smells and tastes to the visuals on display.

I am also interested in authentic and uplifting stories. Amidst our daily bombardment of gloomy news coverage, it’s uncommon to hear anything positive.

I am proud and grateful that I was able to share the story of BREAKING BREAD, which taps into both. The Middle Eastern flavors of exotic dishes play a prominent role in the film. And the narrative’s observation – that when people cook together in the kitchen, political and religious labels fall to the wayside, leaving human connection in their wake – is inspiring. My hope is to continue to bring positive stories to light.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.breakingbreadmovie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingbreadmovie/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakingbreadmovie/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B09PQSF1PJ/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Image Credits
Courtesy of Breaking Bread Movie