Chef Tony Castillo's epic journey from homeless
to International Chef of the Year!
Chef Tony Castillo's epic journey from homeless
to International Chef of the Year!
Welcome to:
Chef's Sanctuary documentary
We are currently in production of Chef’s Sanctuary, which is about the journey of an ordinary man who overcame extraordinary circumstances to discover his own inner sanctuary. An epic Hero’s journey of a human being standing in his truth, while following his heart’s passion. Click link below to watch the teaser.
thank you gifts for your generous tax-deductible donation
501(c)3 Tax-Deductible Donations
501(c)3 Tax-Deductible Donations
501(c)3 Tax-Deductible Donations
Thanks to our Fiscal Sponsorship by the fabulous tax-exempt organization, Filmmakers Collaborative Inc., all donations are tax-deductible, and every penny spent is rigorously tracked and accounted for.
Click "DONATE" button for a direct link to our fundraising page for the production of
CHEF'S SANCTUARY.
Donate any amount here
501(c)3 Tax-Deductible Donations
501(c)3 Tax-Deductible Donations
- Every dollar really counts when making an independent film. Please help us inspire people around the world to find the strength to keep moving forward in the face of difficult times. We sincerely appreciate any level of support you feel comfortable making. We can achieve some much more together than apart :)
- Every $100 or more pledge will
- Every dollar really counts when making an independent film. Please help us inspire people around the world to find the strength to keep moving forward in the face of difficult times. We sincerely appreciate any level of support you feel comfortable making. We can achieve some much more together than apart :)
- Every $100 or more pledge will receive an invite to a private party with Chef Tony & Filmmaker Danny McFarland as a huge thank you for your support and generosity.
$500 - "Chef's Table" RAFFLE
501(c)3 Tax-Deductible Donations
$1k - "Chef's Table" future event
Every $500 donation receives a raffle ticket for an opportunity to win two (2) seats to an exclusive Chef's Table event with Chef Tony himself. Four (4) winners drawn and various Chef's Table dates available to choose from. Your choice of a Chef's Table event @ Longtude315 or at Chef's Tony's new restaurant El Santuario del Chef in Ticuman, Mexico.
$1k - "Chef's Table" future event
$5k - Episode "Chef's Table" exclusive on-camera event
$1k - "Chef's Table" future event
- $1000 per seat and can be scheduled on any future "Chef's Table" date exclusively with Chef Tony, that fits your schedule. (Not filmed).
- Exclusive experience with Chef Tony
- Seeking an incredible experience for a special private event, i.e. birthday, engagement, work event, etc. Purchase an entire table or rent the entire room while also support an amazing cause. ($1000 pp.)
$5k - Episode "Chef's Table" exclusive on-camera event
$5k - Episode "Chef's Table" exclusive on-camera event
$5k - Episode "Chef's Table" exclusive on-camera event
- Only 8 seats available so act fast! $5k donation bonuses:
- Exclusive seat (1) to Chef's Table event featured on Chef's Sanctuary.
- Digital copy of "Chef's Sanctuary" final episode w/ outtakes.
- Personal photo with Chef Tony & Filmmaker Danny McFarland.
- Special "Chef's Sanctuary" Apron
- BONUS w/ donation of 10k:
- Two(2) exclusive seats plus you
- Only 8 seats available so act fast! $5k donation bonuses:
- Exclusive seat (1) to Chef's Table event featured on Chef's Sanctuary.
- Digital copy of "Chef's Sanctuary" final episode w/ outtakes.
- Personal photo with Chef Tony & Filmmaker Danny McFarland.
- Special "Chef's Sanctuary" Apron
- BONUS w/ donation of 10k:
- Two(2) exclusive seats plus your name in the credits of "Chef's Sanctuary" as a associate-producer.
- DATE: Saturday Night TBD
$150 - Episode "Brunch" @ Longitud315
$5k - Episode "Chef's Table" exclusive on-camera event
$5k - Episode "Chef's Table" exclusive on-camera event
- Be part of the filming of Longitud315
- Exclusive Brunch event during filming
- Special multiple course brunch including top dishes from over the years at Longitud315, many no longer on the menu.
- Share this special event with your family and closest friends.
- 2, 4 & 6 top tables available for a donation of $150 per chair. (i.e. $300 for 2 top, $600 for 4 top, etc.)
- DATE: Sunday TBD
About the Film
Synopsis
Chef’s Sanctuary is about a person faced with incredibly challenging circumstances growing up. Someone who felt unseen, unwanted and misunderstood. A person who had a heartfelt love for cooking and an unwavering desire to pursue this passion, amidst being constantly teased and bullied because of his culture's machoism.
Eventually circumstances called for him to take the treacherous trek across US boarders in hopes of a better life, and a chance to follow his American dream. The journey was not an easy one and soon he found himself homeless in a foreign country, unable to speak the language. Only in his darkest moment, did he find the path that lead to his salvation. Like a guardian angel, an unknown man provided him an opportunity that would change his life forever.
Right when it seemed like Tony had finally made it in America, he was nearly killed and faced an entirely new set of struggles. Tony could have never imagined this newest challenge would become another blessing in disguise. Chef Tony is now a US Citizen, a proud restaurant owner, and was recently awarded International Chef of the Year!
Director & Cast
This heartfelt and Inspirational journey of both Chef Tony and Host Danny McFarland have garnered the collaboration of highly experienced and award-winning production team. Including a Primetime Emmy award willing Cinematographer, Petr Cikhart, and Mexico's award winning Cinematographer, Vidblaín Balvás.
Production Stills
Chef Tony Castillo traveled through a long dark tunnel on his journey to fulfilling his hearts desires and discovering a deeper level of loving himself authentically.
Chef Tony reunites with an old friend, now blind, who helped him leave Mexico over 20 years ago.
Host Danny McFarland and Chef Tony explore a local market in Ticuman when they randomly run into a lady who read Tony's palm 30 years ago a told him that one day he would...