[1] The five-day festival takes place annually in late fall in the Wolfville, Kings County, Nova Scotia.
[2] The first festival took place at the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville, screening 11 retrospective films with tickets sales of approximately 1,000.
Film director Robert Kenner (Food, Inc.) and Hollywood director-writer-actor Jason Priestley both participated in various capacities and now serve as Honorary Advisory Board Members.
[4] 4,000 attendees took in 70 new food films from around the world, an opening night reception and gala film with special guests, a food truck rally, experiential wine and cheese tours,[5] three five-course meals based on the films, a cocktail pop-up party, a cinematic dine-around brunch at the Wolfville Farmers Market, an awards showcase with a 15-part dessert constructed by culinary students and eight industry workshops.
The program involved of about thirty Chefs,[6] many visiting filmmakers and industry guests, 14 workshops, 13 tasting tours, more than a dozen dinners,[7] parties & events and over 50 new food and wine films from around the world.
It was opened by Chef Dominique Crenn and featured a theme celebrating the Power of Women in Gastronomy[14] In 2017 the Festival moved to a date earlier in October (25-29th).
The festival also hosted a special screening of Jacques Pepin: The Art of Craft by Director Peter Stein.
Actor Joe Pantoliano, star of the film From the Vine attended on opening night along with director Sean Cisterna.