Frieda's ‘Fear No Fruit’ Documentary Earns Acclaim
A feature documentary chronicling the incredible rise of Frieda Rapoport Caplan as the first woman entrepreneur on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market in the 1960s, to transforming American cuisine by introducing more than 200 exotic fruits and vegetables to U.S. supermarkets – including the Kiwifruit that garnered her the nickname “Queen of Kiwi" – is now available on video-on-demand platforms by digital entertainment curator FilmBuff.
“Fear No Fruit,” directed by Mark Brian Smith (“Overnight”), has garnered highly favorable critical acclaim since its release in late June, including at both the 2015 Newport Beach Film Festival and the 2015 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.
“After watching ‘Fear No Fruit,’ you’ll know why Caplan is such an inspiration,” wrote the Newport Beach Indy, which gave the film two thumbs up, while the Orange County Breeze praised the film's "inspiring look at the now 91-year-old Frieda’s amazing career.”
A highlight of "Fear No Fruit" is interviews with influential players from the food industry and public servants, including Chefs Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken and Michael McCarty, as well as former Los Angeles Chief of Police Bernard Parks. Other familiar industry figures making cameos in the film include David Karp, Tonya Antle, Dick Spezzano and Steve Jordan.
Looking Back and Forward
The storyline touches on California agriculture, showing boutique fruit and vegetable farmers and the role that Frieda’s produce marketing has played in their success, along with the state’s current water crisis and its impact beyond agriculture.
After viewing it, well-known independent and documentary film distributor FilmBuff was eager to distribute "Fear No Fruit," which "stands out by the personal level in which Frieda Caplan has changed American Lives," according to FilmBuff's Sam Scupp. “We are so happy to help spread Frieda’s story, and after watching this film, you won’t look at a Kiwifruit the same.”
"Fear No Fruit" Director Mark Brian Smith said of the film's many cool qualities, that Freida Caplan's tale of triumph and tenacity is what makes it shine. “There are many great documentaries being produced, but most are about troubling and controversial subjects,” said Smith. “This film is an American success story, with rich, deep-seeded history. It’s a compelling ‘who knew?’ story about an inspiring woman who didn't see boundaries.”
“Fear No Fruit” is available on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Xbox Video, Vudu, Hulu and Vimeo on Demand.