Recap – London Premiere of Award-Winning Film, A Fine Line – VIP Reception & Panel – 23rd June 2025

The fight for equality in professional kitchens is global—and leading international advocates grouped together in London on June 23 at Cineworld, O2 Arena. World-renowned chefs Asma Khan, Sally Abé, and Chantelle Nicholson headlined a powerful evening of food, film, and fierce conversation at the UK premiere of the award-winning documentary A Fine Line. The screening, hosted by US-based non-profit MAPP (Mentorship, Advocacy, Purpose and Power) in partnership with Women in the Food Industry, Les Dames d’Escoffier London, and Brand Archery, followed months of momentum sparked by an open letter from 70 top female chefs in the UK calling out the persistent sexism in hospitality.

We began the evening taking photos on the red carpet with chefs and great women in the food industry and an exclusive welcome wine and canapés reception, where guests enjoyed chef signature bites from Dipna Anand, with some of the ingredients provided by Shrub London. Guests also enjoyed wines from female run company Amandla, Lucky Saint alcohol free beer and soft drinks from Pepsico.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet filmmaker Joanna James, Founder of MAPP, and connect with fellow guests who all share a passion for food, culture & creativity.

After the film screening, there was the chance to  engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion on the power of women in food and film as they share their creativity and craft to create a more inclusive and thriving culture, featuring Chef Asma Khan, one of Time Magazine’s Most 100 Influential People and Davos Speaker; Joanna James, Director/Producer of A Fine Line, Sally Abé,, Head of Food The Bull Charlbury; Chantelle Nicholson chef-owner of Apricity, Chef Kiran Verma, owner of Kiran’s,  Mex Ibrahim, founder of the UK’s Women in the Food Industry and other notable women in London’s hospitality scene.

Through MAPP’s “Sky’s the Limit Externship” presented by Delta Air Lines and PepsiCo we were thrilled to match Kiran with two powerhouse chefs redefining Indian cuisine:  Anjula Devi is an Indian chef, author, and influencer known for her powerful blend of connection, empowerment, and storytelling through food.  Dipna Anand is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, author, and educator, renowned for her deep-rooted passion for Indian cuisine.

Celebrating  Women In Food & Film

VIP Wine & Canapés Reception with Red Carpet Photos

A Fine Line Screening

Exclusive Panel Discussion plus Q&A

Following the screening, guests joined an enlightening discussion exploring the intersection of food, culture, and equality.

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