In Stephen Chbosky’s heartfelt film Nonnas (premiering on Netflix May 9), Vince Vaughn plays Joe, who, after losing his mom and grandmother, turns to their generations-old recipes for solace and direction. With the money from his mom’s insurance and a little help from his friends, he opens Enoteca Maria, an old-school Italian spot that staffs four grandmothers, or “nonnas,” from different cities in Italy, who share their dishes with the neighborhood.

In celebration of this feel good comedy – which also stars Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, Talia Shire, and Susan Sarandon as the four nonnas, alongside Linda Cardellini and Joe Manganiello – the Paris Theater is proud to present The Ingredients of Life: Nonnas and Other Appetizing Tales, a mouth-watering menu of cinema’s most delectable explorations of the culinary arts.

The series, which runs from May 1 - 8, will kick off with a special sneak peek screening of Nonnas, followed by a Q&A with director Stephen Chbosky, writer Liz Maccie, producers Rachel Shane and Jack Turner, and cast members Joe Manganiello, Brenda Vaccaro, and Lorraine Bracco. Then, we’ll host a week of films designed to make your taste buds tingle.

Nonnas star Lorraine Bracco will join us once more on Friday, May 2 to discuss her Academy Award-nominated turn as Karen Hill in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas with film critic Carrie Rickey. The film, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, famously weaves food into its narrative, perhaps most memorably in a prison-set dinner scene where we learn the proper way to slice garlic.

On Sunday, May 4, we’ll be joined by Campbell Scott for a rare 35mm screening of his 1996 triumph set in an Italian restaurant, Big Night, co-directed with, co-written by, and starring Stanley Tucci with Tony Shalhoub and an all-star supporting cast including Isabella Rossellini, Allison Janney, Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, and more.

The films in this series span cultures and borders, emphasizing the shared human experience of emotional connections over a delicious, impeccably prepared meal. From the savory ramen of Tampopo, to the bountiful family dinners of Soul Food, there will be so many tempting meals lovingly photographed onscreen, we recommend making a reservation at your favorite restaurant after your screening!

Features 35mm prints of Big Night, Babette’s Feast, and Eat Drink Man Woman.