Aromatic Adventures: Family Films About Scents

Description: In this magical realism film, the protagonist Tita's emotions are infused into the food she cooks, affecting those who eat it through the power of scent. The film explores how scents can carry emotions and influence others.

Fact: The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Also, the recipes used in the film were published in a companion cookbook.

Description: This visually stunning film uses the scent of green papaya to symbolize innocence, growth, and the passage of time in a Vietnamese household. The film's subtle use of scent adds depth to its serene narrative.

Fact: The film won the Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for best first feature. Also, it was the first Vietnamese film to be released in the United States.

Description: Vianne's chocolate shop brings the scent of cocoa and exotic spices to a small French village, stirring up change and awakening the senses of its inhabitants. The film uses the aroma of chocolate to symbolize freedom and passion.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Also, Johnny Depp, who plays Roux, learned to play the guitar for his role.

Description: Walter Mitty's journey to find a missing negative involves him experiencing various scents from around the world, each one triggering a new adventure. The film highlights how scents can be a gateway to imagination and self-discovery.

Fact: The film's director, Ben Stiller, also stars as Walter Mitty. Additionally, the movie was shot in real locations, including Iceland, Greenland, and Afghanistan, to capture authentic scents and environments.

Description: This animated gem from Pixar follows Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking, who uses his extraordinary sense of smell to create culinary masterpieces. The film showcases how the aroma of food can bridge gaps and bring people together.

Fact: Ratatouille was the first Pixar film to be released with a short film, "Lifted," before the feature. Also, the film's title is a play on the word "rat" and the French dish, ratatouille.

Description: While not strictly family-friendly, this film delves into the world of scents through the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, who has an extraordinary sense of smell. It's a dark tale that explores the power of scent in a unique way.

Fact: The film was adapted from Patrick Süskind's novel, which was initially considered unfilmable due to its focus on smell. Also, the film's ending was changed from the book to make it less controversial.

Description: A mistaken delivery of a lunchbox leads to an unexpected friendship through the shared experience of food and its scents. The film uses the aroma of home-cooked meals to convey warmth and connection.

Fact: The film was shot in Mumbai, and the dabbawalas (lunchbox delivery men) featured in the film are part of a real-life system that has been in operation for over 125 years.

Description: This heartwarming tale of culinary rivalry and cultural integration uses the scent of spices and traditional Indian dishes to tell a story of family, love, and the universal language of food.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in France and India to capture the authentic smells and flavors of both cuisines. Also, the Michelin star in the film is a real accolade for chefs.

Description: This short film explores the harsh realities of childhood bullying through the metaphor of burning ants, where the scent becomes a symbol of pain and transformation.

Fact: The film was directed by Jay Rosenblatt, who is known for his experimental and documentary work. It has been screened at numerous film festivals around the world.

Description: Based on Gogol's short story, this animated film uses the sense of smell to explore themes of identity and bureaucracy in a surreal, comedic manner, making it accessible for family viewing.

Fact: The film was produced by the Russian animation studio Soyuzmultfilm, known for its adaptations of classic literature. It was also screened at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.