From Heart to Table

From Heart to Table is an open love letter to Italian-American cuisine and its simultaneous popularity and unknowns. In this work, Cifune seeks to explore her family history through food and recipe history. In her research she has found that the recipes have changed over time. Whether it be due to personal preference or regional access to ingredients, the dishes are more or less known by the same names. From Heart to Table was born out of respect and admiration for her relatives’ hard work to make a better life in America. In an effort to honor those that came before she has started modifying some recipes to suit her own tastes. Her thesis is intended to be a showreel of models of some dishes. While there are no words, the film touches on her experiences with food being associated with comfort and care. Cuisine is a way to experience a home away from home, and can often make the difference in trying times or in a different location. The memories of sharing food with people are very prevalent in her life. Eating is an ultimate form of nourishment not only for the body but for the mind and soul.

Bio

Regina Cifune is a 3D modeler and sculptor in New England. She enjoys finding the hidden stories in prop related work and how these items can not only tell the character’s story but become the characters themselves. With a passion for all things intricate and sparkly, her work seeks to bridge the gap between fiction and reality. She has a desire to let the audience question their own senses. She has interned at Total Trial Solutions and Peter Coffin Studios and has freelanced for Sputnik Animation. She hopes to create games or movies someday and can be contacted at reginacifune@gmail.com.