The Best Porridge in the World

“The Best Porridge in the World” is a documentary about the World Porridge Making Championship, held every autumn in the mountain village of Carrbridge in northern Scotland. Enthusiasts from around the world come to compete for the Golden Spurtle. The film shows not only the culinary rivalry but also the eccentric locals, a living tradition, local heritage and community.

The recipe is simple: oats, water and salt. There are, however, many ways to prepare it, and every participant has their own method, philosophy and story. For Charlie Miller, a local legend and organizer of the championship, the event means much more. He is approaching retirement and struggling with health problems, but feels responsibility toward the local porridge committee. He wants to secure the future of the competition and his own legacy.

Among those competing for the title in the film are:

• Ian Bishop - making a last attempt at the title,
• Lisa Williams, “the porridge queen” - returns to win back the trophy,
• Toby Wilson - Australian chef known for his idea of a porridge tortilla,
• Adam Kiani - uses a secret technique inherited from his grandmother.

Toby Wilson and Adam Kiani represent a new generation of contestants who intend to challenge the porridge status quo. The film portrays the life of a small Scottish community against striking landscapes and brings to mind the documentaries “The Truffle Hunters” and “Honeyland”, made with tenderness and understanding for their subjects. According to the announcement, it is a warm, humorous story that moves viewers and offers a sense of comfort, like a bowl of hot porridge on a cold morning.