BFF25: The Golden Spurtle

Spoons at the ready as Every October, the quiet Highland village of Carrbridge transforms into the spirited stage for the World Porridge Making Championship. At the heart of this quirky yet heartfelt contest lies a humble goal: to stir the perfect bowl of oats, water, and salt. In The Golden Spurtle, director Constantine Costi follows competitors from across the globe as they converge with ladles, secrets, and dreams of winning the coveted trophy.

This year’s event carries special weight as beloved chieftain Charlie Miller, who has guided the contest for decades, prepares to step down. Through Charlie’s farewell and the devotion of contestants, the film becomes more than a culinary chronicle: it’s a meditation on tradition, community, and the rituals that bind us together.

With rustic imagery, wry humour, and a warm, observational lens, The Golden Spurtle captures both the silliness and the sincerity of its subject. A celebration of passion in unlikely places, this is a documentary to savour - comforting, stirring, and unforgettable.

NOMINEE | Best International Documentary Film, Zurich Film Festival 2025