Jodie's Restaurant, the subject of the film, was a 6-seat breakfast and lunch counter that became a local institution over the course of 24 years. The diner was founded and run by Jodie Royston -- a lifelong cook who moved from A

Jodie's Restaurant, the subject of the film, was a 6-seat breakfast and lunch counter that became a local institution over the course of 24 years. The diner was founded and run by Jodie Royston -- a lifelong cook who moved from Arkansas to California in 1959 and overcame every barrier in his path to build a life for his family in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Jodie's, a family-owned business to the core, made a name for itself with its inventive cooking, eccentric personality, and "principle of radical inclusion." As the landscape of American dining was overtaken by fast food, microwave me

Jodie's, a family-owned business to the core, made a name for itself with its inventive cooking, eccentric personality, and "principle of radical inclusion." As the landscape of American dining was overtaken by fast food, microwave meals, and franchises, Jodie's became a cult dining destination for Californians seeking to build intimate relationships with each other over an honest meal.

Eventually, these values collide with the realities of running a business. When mounting repair costs, disputes with the landlord, and a case of illegal fried chicken push Jodie's onto the brink of collapse, the realities of ownership are exposed fo

Eventually, these values collide with the realities of running a business. When mounting repair costs, disputes with the landlord, and a case of illegal fried chicken push Jodie's onto the brink of collapse, the realities of ownership are exposed for Royston, his customers, and the viewer to reconsider.

"Nothing With Something" is not available for public screening. To arrange a private or film festival screening, please e-mail a description of your event.

Credits, Awards, and Mentions

Credits, Awards, and Mentions

Produced, directed, filmed, and edited by James Boo
Consulting editors: Tory Stewart, Ian Parker, Zach Mann
Soundtrack courtesy of Daptone Records
Original Score by James Boo

WINNER - 2015 NYC Food Film Festival, "Best Feature"
WINNER - 2015 Impact DOCS, "Award of Recognition: Documentary Feature"
WINNER - 2015 Taste Awards, "Best Black Film"
HONORABLE MENTION - 2015 SaMo Indie
OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2017 Sodertalje Film Food Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2016 DocuSlate Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2016 BLOW UP International Arthouse Film Fest
OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2015 Maverick Movie Awards
OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2015 Orlando Film Festival
FFICIAL SELECTION - 2015 Weyauwega International Film Festival

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Roles: Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer Length:  1 hour, 4 minutes "Nothing With Something"  is a documentary that brings viewers face to face with the final years of a hole-in-the-wall diner in Albany, Californi
Jodie's Restaurant, the subject of the film, was a 6-seat breakfast and lunch counter that became a local institution over the course of 24 years. The diner was founded and run by Jodie Royston -- a lifelong cook who moved from A
Jodie's, a family-owned business to the core, made a name for itself with its inventive cooking, eccentric personality, and "principle of radical inclusion." As the landscape of American dining was overtaken by fast food, microwave me
Eventually, these values collide with the realities of running a business. When mounting repair costs, disputes with the landlord, and a case of illegal fried chicken push Jodie's onto the brink of collapse, the realities of ownership are exposed fo
Credits, Awards, and Mentions