Berlin, Germany. Constantine Costi said a spontaneous trip from Berlin to Scotland to see the World Porridge Making Championships led to his documentary The Golden Spurtle. The film has been screened at film festivals and cinemas around the world since its release last year.
Discovery of Carrbridge and the competition
Costi, a Sydney-based Greek Cypriot Australian writer with a background primarily in opera and theatre, said his move into documentary film grew from an interest in people, place and community. He said he first heard about the World Porridge Making Championships from a friend who competed in the event in 2022, and traveled to Scotland to see the competition and the village of Carrbridge for himself.
He said he found the “quirky and joyful world of competitive porridge making” as well as a group of participants with distinct stories and personalities, which he said felt suited to film.
Setting and production
Costi said the village setting, surrounded by forests, rivers and mountains, was integral to the film and described it as “a gift” for the production, particularly for cinematographer Dimitri Zaunders.
Focus on legacy and tradition
Costi said his interest extended beyond the competition itself, adding that he wanted to explore themes of legacy, community connection and finding meaning in simple things. These themes shaped The Golden Spurtle, which focuses on the event as well as the people involved and the tradition surrounding it.
Influence of personal background
Although the film is set thousands of kilometers from Cyprus, Costi said he carries his background “both subconsciously and consciously” in his work. He described growing up in a family where storytelling was central to everyday life, saying that at the dinner table he learned to speak confidently and share anecdotes to hold attention.
What aspects of community life do you notice most in the films and stories you watch?