A Recipe for Romance

A nervous young man named Noah invites his online crush, Charlie, for a cooking-themed blind date. Through kitchen mishaps and awkward moments, they begin to bond and discover that the actual recipe for romance is enjoying each other's company.

  • Jon Osei
    Director
  • Jon Osei
    Writer
  • Jon Osei
    Producer
  • Christopher Cooper
    Producer
  • Ali Al Rikabi
    Key Cast
    "Noah"
  • Ray Rainville
    Key Cast
    "Charlie"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Romance, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 31, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    3,300 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Toronto Film School
  • Alternative Film Festival Fall 2024 Edition
    Toronto
    Canada
    🏆 Best Student Film North America (Shorts Category)
  • Couch Film Festival Fall 2024 Edition
    Toronto
    Canada
    🏆 Best Romance (5:01-20:00 Minutes)
  • Toronto Indie Filmmakers Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    October 3, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Youth Takeover Film Festival Ontario
    Toronto
    Canada
    March 8, 2025
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Jon Osei

Jon Osei is a Ghanaian-Filipino Canadian Writer, Director, and Producer born in Toronto and raised in Brampton, Ontario. His passion for filmmaking began early, inspired by the live-action adaptation of Thomas & Friends. In 2014, he started making YouTube videos with friends using an iPad, laying the foundation for his filmmaking journey.

Since 2020, Jon has focused on character-driven short films in Drama, Comedy, and Romance, blending entertainment with educational and philosophical themes. His film A Recipe for Romance won Best Student Film North America at the Alternative Film Festival and Best Romance at the Couch Film Festival.

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Director Statement

A Recipe for Romance resonated with me because it tells a story about two people cooking together on their first date. I found it relatable because I've been through similar awkward moments.

The film beautifully captures the importance of making real connections in a world where online relationships dominate. It's set in a kitchen and is about the chaos of cooking and romance.

This film celebrates life's imperfections and the journey of relationships, reminding us of the beauty found in shared moments. — Jon Osei