In 2025, the Detroit Free Press’s documentary “Coldwater Kitchen” will be featured in the American Film Showcase, an initiative that brings curated films from the United States to embassies worldwide. This partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts aims to share American stories with global audiences.
The documentary follows the culinary training program at Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, Michigan, where students learn the skills needed for success in fine dining restaurant kitchens. The film features Chef Jimmy Lee Hill and three of his students as they navigate challenges in prison and work towards rebuilding their lives after incarceration.
Co-directed by Free Press executive video producer Brian Kaufman and former Free Press restaurant critic Mark Kurlyandchik, “Coldwater Kitchen” premiered at the Freep Film Festival in 2023 and had its world premiere at DOC NYC, the largest documentary film festival in the U.S. The film also won the James Beard Foundation media award for best documentary in 2023.
As part of the American Film Showcase, “Coldwater Kitchen” will be screened alongside acclaimed documentaries like “Crip Camp,” “Free Solo,” and “Summer of Soul.” These films provide a diverse view of American life and spark cross-cultural dialogue with international audiences. By showcasing these rich tapestry of American experiences through visual storytelling, this program connects people across cultures and fosters understanding between nations.
