Sonoma International Film Festival Documentary Review: ‘Ali Eats America’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Ali Allouche in directors Greg Morris and Roush Niaghi's ALI EATS AMERICA. (Photo Courtesy of the Sonoma International Film Festival.)

There comes a point in all of our lives, where we learn some valuable lessons. Specifically, that life is precious and fragile, and fleeting at best, and because of that… we should cherish it and live it to the fullest and soak up every special second it sends our way, and how we reach that moment of education… is quite fascinating to say the least. Because sometimes… we learn it through outright tragedy. Such as say through the loss of a loved one. Since their exit immediately teaches us the value of life, and how quickly it can slip through our hands, and it can also come forth through a scare of sorts. Be it a brush with death or a medical surprise that reminds us of our fragility.
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But perhaps the best and most beautiful example of how we learn this lesson… comes from the fact that now and again… people inspire us to learn it. Especially those who experienced those scares and came out of the other side stronger and more aware of what we’ve been given, and because of that… they are eager to share their story and showcase how important it is to live life in a manner where tomorrow doesn’t matter. So that we can soak in the wonder of the moment. And their words do help us realize that, and live that and it just so happens… that a brand-new film that screened at the Sonoma International Film Festival today, accomplishes that incredible goal/gift. Courtesy of a powerful story about a young man that learned this lesson far sooner than expected in Ali Eats America.

For Ali Allouche was diagnosed with cancer at an early age and spent many of years in hospitals. Receiving treatment and chemotherapy to give him a future that so many with his condition never get, and well, while healing, Ali noticed something quite unique about his food. In that, his taste buds dulled and that bothered him and inspired him to think upon how he would love to experience more food in this life and well, that put Ali on a unique path. One where he understood that every day was a gift, and that if he could beat his cancer, he could embrace that gift and eat everything in sight and savor every bite in the same way he would savor life. Which prompted his family to put together a grand plan to get Ali to travel to every state and feast upon the various foods of America, and well… that quest to taste more than your local McDonald’s… really does bring forth a stunning story.

One that immediately reminds us of the fragility of life. Because cancer is no joke and has either taken the life of someone we know and love in this world, or it impacted someone we know in that manner. So, to have it at a young age is lifechanging for certain, and truly gives one stunning perspective. Which leads to many an inspirational moment in this story, since we see Ali reach that epiphany and embrace it and think upon the wonder of the moment. Something that we are instantly reminded to do, but the inspiring nature of this story goes beyond just seeing a young man stare down cancer and eventually beat it, because his journey to eat new foods in new places, adds a unique wrinkle to this story. One that prompts you to root for Ali.

Because in essence, the journey to sit down and break bread with anyone in his company, is a dream. A dream that Ali refuses to let slip from his hands. To the point where he takes small steps to start his journey and fights through side effects of his chemotherapy, and bad days with his health, to go one mile farther. To have one more bite and be that much closer to achieving his dream and that’s just powerful stuff. Since it reminds us how much control we often have regarding our goals and how often times, the only thing really stopping us, is ourselves, our doubts, and our worries and fears. So, to see Ali ignore all of that, and push through and get that bite, get that meal… more or less prompts you to stand up and run through a wall to chase your own dream. 

But what’s also special about this story, is that it still offers so much more. It’s also about… the power of food. Of how it inspires us and excites us and how it helps us connect in ways we just don’t think of. Because it is often at the table that we learn someone’s story, learn about their struggles and vice versa. Where we share memories and laughter and tears depending upon the moment. All of which makes this, a documentary about life in a way. About how there are struggles, sorrows, and beauty, and that grand reminder that our time is limited, and that our seconds are far better spent soaking up the majesty of life over its worries, and that makes this a special, must-see feature for certain. One that stays with you for a long time, for all the right reasons, thanks to the courage and clarity of the next generation.

To see 'Ali Eats America', visit the Sonoma International Film Festival's website. 

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