In a remote Danish village lived a pair of devout and unassuming sisters. Though once courted by many suitors, they ultimately chose to stay with their father for life. One stormy evening, Babette arrived bearing a letter of recommendation, knocking on the door and pleading to be taken in as housekeeper. Babette’s family had perished during the fall of the Paris Commune; she fled alone, her sole link to home was a lottery ticket, which she had won. Her wish was to prepare an authentic French dinner for the sisters and their guests. Turtle soup, Blinis Demidoff, Cailles en Sarcophage – dish after dish of exquisite creations paired with fine wines, lingered on the palate while melting barriers and warming hearts. Adapted from Danish author Karen Blixen’s novel of the same title, director Gabriel Axel crafted a classic among culinary films. Through food, she embodies beauty, goodness, and grace, elevating gastronomy to a captivating art form.

1987 Prize of the Ecumenical Jury – Special Mention, Cannes Film Festival
1988 Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards

Post-screening talk in Cantonese. Free admission.
Speaker: Joyce Yang