Mayor proclaims ‘You Belong Here Day,’ honors chef Ouita Michel, producer Steve Zahn
News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
This morning, Mayor Linda Gorton proclaimed June 30 “You Belong Here Day” to celebrate the new eight-part docuseries “You Belong Here,” told through the life and ethos of acclaimed local chef and executive producer Ouita Michel, and produced by actor Steve Zahn and director Rick Gomez through their Midway, Kentucky-based production company, Macaroni Art Productions.
“I am so proud of the impact Ouita Michel has had on Lexington and Central Kentucky’s culinary scene,” Gorton said. “She is a culinary ambassador, and mentor across the Commonwealth. This series is a beautiful tribute to Kentucky’s food and culture.”
“You Belong Here” celebrates Kentucky’s food culture, and the communities it unites. Michel guides viewers through the Commonwealth’s diverse stories.
Earlier this month the series was presented at a panel as an official selection at Tribeca X in New York City, where the creative team and local leaders highlighted Kentucky film and television production, and all the region has to offer the entertainment industry. The docuseries was also chosen on a panel at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas.
“‘You Belong Here’ is a project from my heart,” Michel said. “It’s the story of all things and people I love – our rural communities and farmers, our farm-to-table connections, the fabulous cooks throughout our Commonwealth. It’s a love song to Kentucky – one we want to share with the world so they can experience our Commonwealth for themselves. And to that end, Tribeca gave us incredible access to decision-makers in the creative community, and the chance to prove what we’re capable of in Kentucky. It’s a big step forward for our growing production industry.”
Macaroni Art Productions was founded by Rick and Jenny Gomez, Steve Zahn and Robyn Peterman-Zahn and Coby Toland.
“Ouita Michel is one of a kind,” said Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez. “Before she was a chef, she was a national debate champion. Today, she is a steward of Kentucky hospitality, a fierce advocate for local foodways, and the force behind some of Kentucky’s most beloved restaurants. Her work nourishes more than just appetites – it builds bridges, fosters belonging, and brings people to the table. Ouita is a mentor, a leader, a historian, a teacher – and an American treasure.”
“Not only has the bold investment in Kentucky’s film and television industry made it possible for production companies like ours to create cinematic, high-level storytelling, but filming in Kentucky is fun and artistically fulfilling,” said Zahn and Gomez. “The hospitality and creativity, along with great film crews, make us want to come back again and again.”
In 2025, the Kentucky General Assembly created the Kentucky Office of Film and Development, which works in coordination with the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program to accelerate the growth of the Commonwealth’s film and entertainment industry.
“Kentucky’s farm-to-table program as presented in ‘You Belong Here’ stands as a national success story, fueled by over $300 million in strategic investment and celebrated at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, a testament to our state’s agricultural and culinary excellence,” said Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “We are bridging the urban-rural divide and elevating Kentucky’s capacity for world-class notoriety and increased tourism. These achievements are the result of intentional policy, robust collaboration, and a shared vision for Kentucky’s future, not by mere chance.”
“Governor Andy Beshear just announced that 80 million people visited Kentucky in 2024 – generating $14.3 billion in economic impact supporting 97,394 jobs,” said Secretary Lindy Casebier, Team Kentucky Cabinet of Tourism, Arts and Heritage. “The film and television industries are a key component in building on that success – in tourism, in job creation and talent attraction. Showcasing our commonwealth and four Kentucky projects at Tribeca Festival is another major step in building a thriving film and television industry.”
Locally, FilmLEX launched in October 2024 in partnership with VisitLEX to market Lexington and the Bluegrass region to the production community, and to promote the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive program.
“With support from State ARPA funding and strong regional partnerships, we’re creating a more connected and competitive tourism landscape that benefits the entire region,” said Councilmember and VisitLEX Commission member James Brown. “VisitLEX and FilmLEX have been outstanding partners and stewards in helping us showcase Lexington and other Kentucky communities, not just as great places to visit, but also as inspiring destinations for storytelling, culture, and investment.”
“We’ve been building something intentional here in Lexington that redefines the production experience project-first, people-forward, with a creative economy that lasts,” said Lisa Brin, FilmLEX Lead. “‘You Belong Here’ is proof of concept that Lexington is more than a backdrop. It’s a place where story and soul come together, and where filmmakers are truly seen.”
“Bringing ‘You Belong Here’ to life was a tremendous opportunity to showcase Kentucky tourism through the lens of food, culture, and genuine Kentucky hospitality with one of our state’s greatest ambassadors, Ouita Michel,” VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer said. “This is yet another key step in growing our local film and television industry, along with the Kentucky film and television initiative and FilmLEX. Our elected officials in Frankfort have provided amazing support and investment for Lexington, the region and the state to grow and enhance our reputation as a place where a thriving film and television industry can succeed. The Kentucky Department of Tourism, and tourism offices around the state, have worked together to make this happen, including Corbin, Somerset, Lexington, Louisville, Northern Kentucky, Bowling Green, Paducah and Owensboro.”
Short previews of the “You Belong Here” docuseries can be accessed by clicking the buttons below.
1-minute preview 7-minute preview
News release provided by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
