Maker's Mark "Chris Valdes"
Director: Manolo Celi
Maker’s Mark “Chris Valdes” is a branded documentary short directed by Manolo Celi for Maker’s Mark and produced by Zipper Films for NGL Collective and mitú. Photographed by Sherman Johnson, the film profiles Miami chef Chris Valdes as he reflects on the people, traditions, and experiences that inspired his career in food. Part of Maker’s Mark’s “Here’s to Making Your Mark” campaign, the project explores Valdes’ connection to family, culture, and community. Through personal stories, he recalls learning the value of hospitality in his family’s Cuban restaurant, watching his mother cook with love and sazón, and discovering how food can bring people together around a table. The film also examines how he has used both his voice and his cooking to create meaningful connections and celebrate the communities that shaped him. Shot on the ARRI Alexa Mini with an Angénieux EZ zoom lens, the project combines documentary interviews with cinematic lifestyle imagery, creating a warm and intimate portrait of a chef whose work is rooted in authenticity, generosity, and the belief that great food has the power to bring people together.
Maker's Mark "Chris Valdes"
Director: Manolo Celi