Preserving Culinary Heritage with People and Plants International

I created five documentaries for People and Plants International, an independent non-profit dedicated to working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities worldwide to preserve traditional knowledge and practices. Their mission, built on decades of mutual trust and long-term partnerships, provided the perfect framework for documenting Cameroon’s rich culinary traditions. These films capture more than recipes—they preserve cultural heritage, generational wisdom, and the deep connections between people, plants, and traditional foodways that risk being lost in our rapidly changing world. Each documentary serves as both a cultural archive and a celebration of the communities who have maintained these traditions across generations.

Stories from Cameroon’s Kitchens

The five-part series explores iconic Cameroonian dishes including Kwacoco Bible, Black Soup, and Ndole, among others. Shot across various regions, these documentaries reveal the intricate preparation methods, the cultural significance of each dish, and the stories of the people who keep these traditions alive. From sourcing indigenous ingredients to the communal aspects of cooking and sharing meals, each film captures the authenticity and depth of Cameroon’s culinary landscape. Working with People and Plants International’s community-centered approach, I was able to document these meals not as mere cooking demonstrations, but as living traditions that connect past, present, and future—bridging local knowledge with global appreciation for cultural preservation.