Educational Media Reviews Online

A Fine Line is a documentary film that focuses on gender inequalities in the food industry. As described by the chefs, restaurant owners, and other industry personalities interviewed, many successful women in the food industry have had to overcome extra obstacles due to their gender. The industry is known for being highly competitive, however, the women featured describe cases of ignored sexual harassment claims, not being taken seriously for business loans, lack of consideration for culinary awards, and even being discouraged from pursuing careers in culinary arts. A Fine Line centers on the director’s mother and restaurant owner, Valerie James. Throughout the film, James tells the story of how she fought her way through financial and personal challenges to establish a successful restaurant, which gives the film a more personal and familial tone. Negotiating work-life balance was particularly difficult for James and as described in the other interviews, is an industry-wide issue that appears to be changing for the better.

A Fine Line is a well-crafted and cohesive documentary that not only draws attention to women’s voices but also challenges an industry that is highly patriarchal. The filmmakers do not shy away from sexual misconduct cases involving male celebrity chefs and restaurant owners like Mario Batali, and they draw attention to the fact that women culinary leaders are often shut out of media coverage in comparison to their male counterparts. Because of these disparities, A Fine Line would be an important addition to a library collection or to curriculum in gender studies, entrepreneurship, human resource management, and culinary arts courses.

Awards:
Best Documentary Feature, Provincetown International Film Festival

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