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Runtime: 93 Minutes.Directed by first-time filmmakers Jamal Burger from Toronto and Jukan Tateisi from Tokyo.
This documentary is about 36-year-old Chef Masaki Saito, who made history as the first to earn two Michelin stars in Toronto (2022) and remains the only person to achieve this milestone in both Toronto and New York (2017/2018). His restaurant Sushi Masaki Saito remains Toronto’s only two-star Michelin establishment in 2025.
STILL SINGLE follows Chef Saito's incredible journey from rural Hokkaido.
This documentary had a very quirky style. Some of the dialogue was hard to understand because the subtitle translation didn't quite get the conversation translated correctly. Chef Saito is a very unusual artist and certainly has his own communication style. The film shows the incredible dedication and sheer will it takes to become a 2-star Michelin Chef and the sacrifices that must be made to accomplish this standing.
Chef Saito has some very risky vices, but maybe that's what it takes to be successful. The willingness to take risks to get what you want. But once you get all the money and accolades, then what? Priorities change when you don't have to worry about money and success; you realize what's truly important that money can't buy. You can't keep up the non-stop pace once you reach a certain age, so you need to learn how to balance your life and spend time with people you care about and do things you are passionate about doing.
With 2 first-time directors creating this film, it takes on a disjointed flow that mimics the way Chef Saito's life becomes.
Even though it's not explained, the scene in the photo above is beautiful, and watching Chef Saito make sushi is like watching someone do Tai Chi; with the flowing hand movements, it is mesmerizing to watch.
After the premiere screening on September 5th, they arranged a special activation on King Street West, in front of the TIFF Lightbox where a 60-foot sushi counter was set up for festival attendees to sample Michelin-starred Omakase Sushi.
The theatrical release will be in November.
If you want to go to the restaurant, here is the link: Masaki Saito | Masaki Saito
But make note you better bring your gold card because.....
Someone told me there was a $99 Omakase but you have to dig for that on the website.
Tiff Screenings:
Saturday, September 6
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