The Metro: Two films highlight the connective power of food

By: Tia Graham

20 February 2026 at 03:03

Food is a connection to the past and a living memory. It has a way of reminding the senses that love existed.

Ifayomi Christine is a writer and director.

It’s never just about the food. It’s about who taught you. It’s about who was there to help you stir the pot and give you the spoon to lick the cake batter. It’s about the traditions passed down on purpose and by accident. And sometimes it’s about learning the hardships that put the food on the table.

Ifayomi Christine is a writer, director, and lens based artist. She recently directed the film “Until It Feels Like Worship,” which untangles generational grief and trauma through remembrance and release.

Cornetta Lane-Smtih founded Detroit’s Studio 8278, which focuses on sharing Black stories.

Cornetta Lane-Smith is a Detroit-based filmmaker, writer, producer and the founder of Studio 8278. She wrote and executive produced the docu-series “Recipes of Resistance.” The series explores how food and conversation help unpack human complexity.

They both joined The Metro’s Tia Graham to talk more about the film and docu-series.

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