#FOOD: “OPEN” DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Esteemed journalist Ivy Knight and director JR Reid, whose short film Skyline Diner premiered at North America’s largest documentary festival, Hot Docs, are once again teaming up for OPEN—a new documentary series capturing a never before seen look at some of Toronto’s finest restaurants. The series follows chefs and restaurateurs as they prepare to open for daily service, providing audiences with a behind the scenes look that is rarely showcased. Narrated by notable journalist and celebrated food writer James Chatto, and shot entirely on film, this series is unlike anything that’s come before it.

The first episode of OPEN, featuring the Michelin-starred Edulis, will premiere at the series launch on November 18th at The Bell & The Beacon, with a bonus screening of Skyline included. Taste Toronto, a proud supporter of Toronto’s diverse restaurant culture, will co-host as the media sponsor for this exciting new series.

Ivy Knight, an acclaimed journalist who has interviewed everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Matty Matheson, brings her industry insight and passion for storytelling to OPEN. A former line cook turned writer and documentary filmmaker, Knight has dedicated her career to illuminating the hidden layers of restaurant culture. Much like the hit TV show The Bear, OPEN dives into the sometimes unglamorous, everyday rituals of the restaurant world, showing audiences the realities of life behind the kitchen doors. “Conceived by JR, we’re making this series as a continuation of our short documentary about the Skyline Diner that premiered at Hot Docs last year. We love restaurants and we want to showcase the parts of that culture that are often unseen,” Knight explains.

The Toronto establishments featured in this first season of the series are General Public, Edulis, Linny’s and Afrobeats. Each location contributes its own unique story, woven together to form a heartfelt celebration of Toronto’s restaurant scene.

Shot entirely on film, OPEN uses a nostalgic blend of Super 8, Polaroid, point-and-shoot, and vintage 35mm cameras to evoke a timeless, vintage aesthetic. With Knight acting as producer and writer, and JR in his role as director and editor, they assembled an all-volunteer crew to create the series. Known for his music videos with Gentleman Reg, Dearly Beloved and others, Reid sees OPEN as a counterpoint to endless scrolling on our social media feeds. “In a world of unlimited and cheap disposable content, we wanted to create something lasting and beautiful,” he explains.

Special thanks to Taste Toronto, Motioneer, Valley of Mother of God Gin, and The Bell & The Beacon for their generous support. And to our sponsors Carve Real Estate and San Pellegrino.

About Ivy Knight

Ivy Knight is a Toronto-based journalist, filmmaker, and former chef dedicated to telling the untold stories of restaurant culture. With bylines in The New York Times, Food & Wine, and The New Yorker, Ivy brings a unique insider’s perspective to the food and hospitality industry. Her work highlights diversity, equality, and the artistry of restaurant life, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the culinary world.

About JR Reid

JR Reid is a director and editor with over twenty years of experience in filmmaking, following an early career in the restaurant industry. He has held in-house roles at Cossette and Tantrum Studios, producing music videos after hours. Reid has directed campaigns for brands like OLG, Auto Trader, and Loblaws. His independent documentary films have been screened at festivals including Devour! Food Film Festival, the Sonoma International Film Festival, and theatres around Toronto. Most recently, his film Skyline premiered at Hot Docs. Reid’s shorts cover a wide range of subjects, from beauty salons to sourdough, and he recently released a 4-part documentary series on food waste for the PC Insiders Project.

About Taste Toronto

Taste Toronto is a leading digital media platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting the diverse culinary landscape of Toronto. The team at Taste Toronto turns ideas into impactful campaigns and experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. Guided by a commitment to storytelling and audience engagement, Taste Toronto connects food enthusiasts with the city’s best dining experiences, from hidden gems to iconic establishments, ensuring every project leaves a lasting mark. As a trusted source for all things food in Toronto, Taste Toronto brings together a passionate community of locals and visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich culinary culture.