Caviar Dreams

Featuring Pulitzer Prize Winner Inga Saffron

Originally, caviar (i.e. sturgeon eggs) - the world's most desired delicacy - was a food of the poor. Over time, it became strictly reserved for the likes of Russian Czars and royalty throughout the world. Nowadays, it has become synonymous with wealth, fame, and indulgence. But why is that? What's so special about caviar?

Caviar Dreams delves into the complex world of caviar, weaving a tapestry of caviar tales that leaves you knowing more than you ever thought possible about this unique delicacy. Beyond the assumed glamour and luxury associated with caviar, we uncover a story of over-fishing, poaching, near extinction, and a quest for sustainability as we journey through the history, culture, and environmental impact of this status symbol.

FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT: "All of us have our own ideas about what caviar is, who eats it, and why it has the reputation it does. Some of us have tried it, some of us would like to try it, and others never have and never will. In any case - whether you’ve eaten caviar or not - this film can tell us a great deal about human nature, and can give us important insights into the relationship we have with our food. I think audiences will learn way more than they ever thought possible about caviar by watching the film."

-Brian Gersten

Preview link available upon request. Contact support@videoproject for more information

A Film by Brian Gersten, Liv Dubendorf, & Wei Ying

15 minutes

Scene Selection • Closed Captioned

Grades 6 - Adult

Item #: CDR-1136

Delves into the complex world of caviar, weaving a tapestry of caviar tales

Starting at $69

Licensing Options

K-12 Schools, Public Libraries, Community Groups - $69 K-12 DVD + Digital File - $119 Colleges, Businesses, Other Institutions: DVD - $199 Colleges (DVD with Digital Site License) - $299

Reviews and Festivals

"Entertaining and enlightening short film looks at the history, environmental impact, and pure enjoyment of consuming caviar...A humorous, unique short documentary with an added environmental perspective, this is recommended."

— Video Librarian

"Casts a wide net to present historical information and cultural inflections and advocate for sustainable sturgeon farms. Clips from popular sitcoms speak to the public perception of caviar as an elite delicacy...This film-festival favorite, the cinematic equivalent of a quick gulp, piques interest."

— Booklist

"RECOMMENDED. This film is worth viewing. In ts short running time, it manages to fit in where caviar comes from, a little bit of history, why it is so expensive, and the environmental impact of harvesting...Caviar Dreams will be useful in culinary classes or any class where food/food history/food sustainability are discussed."

— Educational Media Reviews Online

"RECOMMENDED. Caviar Dreams is a fast-paced documentary on the history of caviar. Using archival footage and commentary from a caviar historian, fishmonger, and caviar farmer, this film offers a holistic view of caviar from multiple perspectives....It is a humorous educational tool that leaves audiences hungry for more."
— Science Books and Films

"Aims to humanize the concerning sustainability surrounding caviar...Unearthing misconceptions"
— FORBES

"Incorporating archival footage and including commentary from a smart array of enthusiasts and purveyors, Caviar Dreams is well made."
— Library Journal

"A fast-paced and humorous look at the history of caviar"
— WFDD

"Attempts to answer questions about the industry, how these fish eggs came to be so desired and more"
— Food Republic

WINNER
Longleaf Film Festival, Best Overall Documentary Short
Real to Reel Film Festival, Best Student Film

OFFICIAL SELECTION
DocUtah
International Wildlife Film Festival
Drunken Film Fest
Food Film Fest Bergamo
Sidewalk Film Festival
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Napa Valley Film Festival
Chagrin Documentary Film Festival
Tijuana Film & Food Festival
Footcandle Film Festival
Sonoma International Film Festival
RiverRun International Film Festival
Food & Farm Film Festival
Devour: The Food Film Festival

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Caviar Dreams

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