QUICK BIO:
Hello! I'm Andrew Gooi, a James Beard-award winning director based in Minneapolis, MN.
CONTACT:
EMAIL
INSTAGRAM
REPRESENTATION:
USA - Freelance
UK - RARE Studio
ASIA - Islet Studios
EXPANDED BIO
“A little about me, I was born and raised in Malaysia.”
“As an eight-year old, I became hooked on a TV show called ‘Movie Magic.’ I religiously watched this show, learning how movies were made.”
“At 15-years old, I came across an article in the Malaysian national newspaper titled ‘Malaysians Abroad,’ featuring legendary actress Michelle Yeoh. Her path inspired me to dream about filmmaking!”
“Well, I took the safe route - studied Civil Engineering instead in the U.S. But on the side, I read and studied every filmmaking book I could find at the college library.”
“Became a licensed Professional Civil Engineer and after designing highways for 5 years, I would depart the field to dive into filmmaking. Thus, Gooi Films was born.”
“Landed the Video Production Manager position at Sprouts Farmers Market - closely working with the executive, communications and marketing team.”
“Flew back to Malaysia to document my grandmother’s cooking. Initially intended as a personal short film, it sparked the idea to start filming short documentaries on food culture and traditions.”
“I would depart my Video Production Manager position, moving full-time into food documentaries - capturing 32 short films. ‘Elements,’ a series I directed in collaboration with BITE Magazine would land my first James Beard Award nomination.
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“After relocating with my wife and kids to Seattle, ‘Kakehashi,’ my first longform documentary featuring Chef Nobuo Fukuda would premiere. The Hollywood Reporter would describe the film as a “lush, mouthwatering culinary portrait.””
“Full circle moment! Honored to be featured in the Malaysian national newspaper - the very same one that inspired me to dream about filmmaking.”
“Expanded into commercial directorial work - landing representation in the U.S. and U.K.”
“The food films I made would go on to win the James Beard Award for Visual and Technical Excellence, joining the likes of Netflix’s ‘Chef’s Table’ and Anthony Bourdain’s ‘Parts Unknown.’”
“National Geographic features three ‘Food Talkies’ films: “Mooncake: The Lost Art,’ ‘Heart of Soba’ and ‘Gift of Mochi.’”
“My family and I would once again relocate, this time to Minneapolis. Shortly after, I would have the privilege of expanding ‘The Heart of Soba’ into a full episode for HBO Max’s ‘A World of Calm’ series. This episode, titled ‘Noodles’ would be narrated by Oscar Isaac.”
“Celebrating 10 years of Gooi Films! Capped the year with a string of directorial work for All-Clad, Panera, Starbucks and Sheraton Grand.”
“Stoked to meet the founders of Panda Express and direct several heartfelt films for their 50th anniversary celebration.”