S.Pellegrino has unveiled its first documentary, Afuera Hay Más – A Young Chef’s Journey, which follows the mentorship of Nelson Freitas, the winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, under the guidance of Virgilio Martínez, the acclaimed chef of Central in Lima, recently crowned number one on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list.
The film, set in the vibrant culinary landscape of Peru, explores the unique mentorship experience that Freitas embarked on after joining the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy in 2022. It is part of the Academy’s wider mission to nurture future culinary talent and positively impact the world through food.
The documentary offers more than just an insight into professional training. Against the stunning backdrop of Peru’s coastlines and the towering Andes, Freitas is invited to experience the entire local gastronomic ecosystem created by Martínez and his team. Alongside Virgilio’s life partner, Pia León, recognised as the Best Female Chef in 2021, and his sister Malena Martínez, co-creator of Mater, the film explores the values and ethos behind the Peruvian culinary scene.
Mater, a multidisciplinary research centre, provides the core philosophy behind Afuera Hay Más (translated as “There Is More Out There”). The principle encourages chefs to step outside the kitchen to engage with broader sources of inspiration, knowledge, and cultural encounters. Through his journey, Freitas connects with local producers, artists, farmers, and scientists, all offering different perspectives on how to infuse meaning into his culinary creations.
Under Martínez’s mentorship, Freitas trains in the kitchens of Central and Kjolle in Lima, while also travelling to Mil in Cusco, an innovative restaurant that integrates indigenous traditions with contemporary cooking. The documentary delves into how mentorship extends beyond teaching kitchen techniques, as Martínez reflects, “Mentorship is about more than just sharing skills in the kitchen; it’s about sharing a vision of the world. It’s both an honour and a responsibility to pass on our philosophy and values to young chefs like Nelson.”
The film also captures the transformation that Freitas undergoes during this process. Reflecting on his experience, Freitas shared, “Working with Virgilio Martínez has shown me that there is so much more to learn, not just about cooking but about life. Stepping outside the kitchen isn’t just a matter of exploring new ingredients but understanding new cultures and perspectives. This experience has changed my approach to both my craft and my personal growth.”
Following the conclusion of this mentorship, Freitas has been offered a position in Martínez’s world-renowned restaurant, Central, marking a significant milestone in his culinary journey.
The documentary is set to launch on 23 September on Prime Video across several countries, including the UK, the US, France, Italy, Spain, and Peru. Produced in collaboration with YAM112003, a Milan-based creative agency, Afuera Hay Más celebrates not only the transformative power of mentorship but also the endless pursuit of growth in the culinary world.
For viewers, the film offers a glimpse into how mentorship can bridge cultures, perspectives, and talents to create a lasting impact on both the chefs and the culinary world they inhabit.
To discover more please visit: https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
