Soul Food

A family drama around the dining table

Soul Food is a 1997 comedy-drama written and directed by George Tillman Jr. The story revolves around the Joseph family from Chicago, who gather every Sunday for an elaborate family dinner at the home of matriarch Mama Joe (Irma P. Hall). Those weekly meals are more than just food: they are the glue that holds the family together.

Old tensions surface

Mama Joe's three daughters — the ambitious lawyer Teri (Vanessa Williams), the down-to-earth Bird (Nia Long), and the housewife Maxine (Vivica A. Fox) — each bring their own problems and frustrations. Jealousy, marital problems, and old grudges create ever-increasing tension. The story is told through the eyes of 11-year-old Ahmad, Mama Joe's grandson.

When tradition is under pressure

When Mama Joe falls seriously ill, the family threatens to fall apart. Tillman based the film on his own family history and shows how traditions and coming together connect people. Soul Food was widely praised for its relatable and human portrayal of an African-American family. You can see the film at LAB111 in Amsterdam.