Masa from the North Country

After opening a family tortilleria and restaurant in Minneapolis, Chef Gustavo Romero and his wife Kate, rising stars in the world of Mexican cuisine, embark on a mission to revive and reimagine Mesoamerican heirloom corn for the Midwest Corn Belt. Their journey bridges indigenous cultures and agricultural techniques, modern scientific research, and a love of food that unites people across the globe.

"Masa from the North Country" is a documentary project about Gustavo and Kate Romero, their devotion to each other, and their shared mission to honor and revitalize heirloom maize.

This story aims to transform the food and farm system by presenting an alternative to corn monoculture: crop diversity, resilient agriculture, nutritious ingredients, and indigenous methods of food preparation.

Food Access: Access to native corns, with higher nutritional value and cultural significance.
Agriculture: Crop diversity and resilient varieties of corn, contrasted with corn monoculture.
Environment: Emphasizing the negative health and environmental impacts of corporate corn.

This funding will support production of the film, including recording, editing, and community impact.

The Eastside Co-Op was the first grocer to carry Nixta tortillas / tostadas! This is a story deeply rooted in the Northeast Community, and we plan to feature Eastside Co-Op in the film