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Andrew Gooi is a James Beard-award winning director based in Minneapolis, MN.
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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.”
“After 5 years of designing highways as a Civil Engineer in Arizona, 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 - managing the production and post-production of 120+ videos each year.”
“Flew back to Malaysia to document my grandmother’s cooking. Initially intended as a personal short film, it sparked the idea to start ‘Food Talkies,’ a collection of 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 food series I shot in collaboration Mark Lipczynski and Michelle Jacoby lands us our first James Beard nomination.
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“After relocating with my wife and kids to Seattle, ‘Kakehashi,’ my first longform documentary featuring Chef Nobuo Fukuda would have its world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival. The film would go on to receive a lovely review from The Hollywood Reporter.”
“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 USA and Europe.”
“‘Food Talkies’ would receive 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 working on HBO Max’s ‘A World of Calm’ series, Episode 7: ‘Noodles’ - narrated by Oscar Isaac.”
“Honored to collaborate again with Tartine Bakery’s co-founder, Chad Robertson - providing still imagery to be published in his ‘Bread Book.’”
“Celebrating 10 years! Capped the year with a string of directorial work for All-Clad, Panera, Starbucks and Sheraton Grand.”
“One of my dream projects! Stoked to meet the founders of Panda Express and direct several heartfelt films for their 50th anniversary celebration.”