BWW Preview: DOC NYC Presents Films Focusing on Food and Food Culture

America's largest documentary festival runs November 12-19 at the IFC Center (323 Sixth Ave.) in Greenwich Village and Chelsea's SVA Theatre (333 W. 23rd St.) and Bow Tie Chelsea Cinemas (260 W. 23rd St.). The 6th annual festival includes 104 feature-length documentaries and has expanded to showcase over 200 films and events overall. Included are 26 world premieres and 16 U.S. premieres, with more than 200 filmmakers and special guests expected in person to present their films. Galas include Nov. 12 Opening Night, MISS SHARON JONES!; Nov. 15 Centerpiece, JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE; and Nov. 19 Closing Night, ONCE AND FOR ALL - all films spotlighting unforgettable women, with Hillary Rodham Clinton attending Nov. 19.

CITY OF GOLD, Dir. Laura Gabbert
NYC PREMIERE - City of Gold profiles Pulitzer Prize-winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold and his relationship to Los Angeles. In writing about food, Gold also covers the city's thriving immigrant culture. He devotes the same passion to small family-run ethnic restaurants that other critics give to haute cuisine. The film includes appearances by New York food writers Robert Sietsema and Calvin Trillin, as well as esteemed chefs who are fans of Gold. Lovers of food, good writing and urban exploration will not want to miss this. Courtesy of Sundance Selects, opening March 11. (91 min.) In person: Director Laura Gabbert, film subject Jonathan Gold

Public screening: SAT. NOV. 14, 7:15 PM (SVA Theatre)

Contact(s): IFC Films, Lauren Schwartz, lauren.schwartz@ifcfilms.com, 917-542-6330

FOR GRACE, Dir. Kevin Pang, Mark Helenowski
NYC PREMIERE - Already recognized with two Michelin stars, chef Curtis Duffy has grander ambitions for his latest venture, Grace. If Duffy has his way, his new Chicago restaurant will receive three stars, and be recognized as the best in the country. But first, he has to open Grace to his exacting standards, and this perfectionism will come at a great personal cost. For Graceexpertly blends Duffy's tragic personal story with an inside look at the world of luxury dining. Courtesy of FilmBuff. (92 min.)In person: Director Kevin Pang

Public screening: WED. NOV. 18, 9:30 PM (IFC Center)

Website: http://www.forgracefilm.com

KING GEORGES, Dir. Erika Frankel
After more than four decades, America's finest French restaurant, Philadelphia's Le Bec Fin, is struggling to keep up with changing tastes. Its tempestuous chef/ owner Georges Perrier remains ambivalent: should he sell the restaurant and finally retire, or partner with his talented protégé, Nicholas elmi (an eventual Top Chef winner), in an attempt to reinvigorate its faded glory? King Georges offers an intimate portrait of a passionate culinary artist facing the inevitability of change. (77 min.) In person: Director Erika Frankel, film subjects Georges Perrier, Nicholas Elmi

Public screening: MON. NOV. 16, 7:00 PM (Bow Tie Chelsea)

Website: http://www.kinggeorges.com

THE MISSING INGREDIENT, Dir. Michael Sparaga
WORLD PREMIERE - A story of two Manhattan restaurants: Gino's, an Upper east Side fixture for more than six decades, and Pescatore, a Midtown staple on Second Ave since 1993 now facing stiff competition as the neighborhood changes. After taking over Pescatore, new restaurateur Charles Devigne seeks to shake up things in a bid for new business. His controversial decision to borrow one of Gino's iconic features inspires Michael Sparaga's exploration of that undefinable quality which transforms a simple eatery into an institution. (87 min.) In person: Director Michael Sparaga, film subjects Charles Devigne, Michael Miele, Salvatore Doria

Public screening: TUES. NOV. 17, 7:15 PM (IFC Center)

NOMA - MY PERFECT STORM, Dir. Pierre Deschamps
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE - When René Redzepi set out to create Noma, a restaurant in Copenhagen that only used Nordic ingredients, the culinary community thought he was mad. Within a relatively short period of time, Noma bested longtime champion el Bulli to be named the best restaurant in the world. The acclaimed chef's continual updating of Nordic cuisine allowed Noma to keep that title three years in a row, but after a surprising upset costs him the top spot, Redzepi seeks redemption through reinvention in Pierre Deschamps' delectable documentary. Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures, opening in theaters and on demand Dec. 18. (95 min.)

Public screening: SUN. NOV. 15, 4:00 PM (IFC Center) Website: http://www.noma-myperfectstorm.com

Complete program and ticket info can be found at www.docnyc.net.