An award-winning short documentary
A film by Michel Pascal
Some things nourish more than the body.
Chef Ava Malazian and Michel Pascal prepare a special dinner for an extraordinary guest.
01 / THE FILM
A chef. A meditation teacher.
A meal with meaning.
Chef Ava Malazian and wellness expert Michel Pascal come together to prepare a special dinner for an extraordinary guest.
At its heart is an invitation to slow down. To bring care to the act of cooking, attention to the person across the table, and a little more presence to the everyday.
Meet Ava & MichelTHE SPIRIT OF THE FILM
There is a kind of generosity that cannot be measured.
The care in our hands. The attention we give.
The simple act of making something for someone else.
02 / THE PEOPLE
The art of nourishment meets
the practice of being here.
“The trick is to go slow within the rush.”AVA MALAZIAN · JUST 15 MINUTES
FEATURED CHEF
Chef. Host. Culinary educator.
A private and retreat chef, Ava approaches cooking as an act of care. Her work brings food, hospitality, and mindful attention together, creating space for people to feel nourished and connected.
In The Quiet Ingredient, she brings that intention to the table alongside Michel Pascal.
Hear Ava in conversation
THE PRACTICE OF PRESENCEDIRECTOR & FEATURED WELLNESS EXPERT
Filmmaker. Meditation teacher. Author.
Michel works across film, meditation, and music. His creative practice explores the inner life and the human connections that sustain us.
His films include We Are Never Alone. With The Quiet Ingredient, his work meets Ava’s approach to food and hospitality.
Explore Michel’s work03 / RECOGNITION
Festival recognition for
The Quiet Ingredient.
INDIEWOOD FILM FESTIVAL
NEW YORK MOVIE AWARDS
HOLLYWOOD GOLD AWARDS
ON THE BIG SCREEN
Hollywood, California · September 12, 2026
Indiewood Film Festival
Michel Pascal’s feature has also received international recognition, including a Gold Award at the New York Movie Awards and a Gold Award at the Milan Gold Awards, as listed by M5M Studio. These honors belong to We Are Never Alone.
Explore the feature’s recognition04 / CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
For press, screening, and distribution inquiries about The Quiet Ingredient.
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