by Gary Meyer

EatDrinkFilms is co-presenting three very different movies at this week’s SF IndieFest. East Side Sushi is a terrific family “dramedy” about a young Latina who wants to become a sushi chef. It is full of surprises, wonderful food scenes and a cast of superb young actors. Bay Area director Anthony Lucero works in visual effects at Industrial Light and Magic while making shorts and documentaries. This is his first feature and he is a talent to watch.

East Side Sushi is beautifully shot in Oakland and features another talent who has a bright future, lead actress Diana Elizabeth Torres. The Hollywood Reporter says, “Mouthwatering food photography will likely have Japanese cuisine fans quickly heading for the nearest sushi bar after watching the movie. “ And you can go to Coach Sushi on Grand Avenue in Oakland where much of the film was made. For more info and a trailer click here.

Love Steaks is a very different kind of food film. “A shy trainee massage therapist at a luxury hotel on the German coast strikes up a very unusual friendship with a loud, no-nonsense apprentice from the kitchen… Attraction is a strange but utterly convincing beast in this award-winning low-budget film from Germany,” writes the Hollywood Reporter. 

Winning prizes at Slamdance, Max Ophuls and Saas-Fee film festivals, it was a surprise best film nominee at the Lolas, the German Oscars.

Chocolate Vanilla Strawberry is a very black comedy/drama about a lonely ice-cream van driver and his unhealthy obsession with a television soap opera starlet. Not for the kids or the squeamish.

Visit the film’s official website for a trailer and more.

For the complete schedule of these films and all events go here.