Cert - PG

Run-time - 1 hour 15 minutes

Director - Constantine Costi

As competitors travel from across the world to take part, Charlie Miller prepares for his last year as chieftain of the World Porridge Making Championship.

The Golden Spurtle isn't cynical, fun-poking or insincere. Nor does it embrace its subjects in a strangling bear-hug. Instead, much like the titular award, it's a charming observation of the World Porridge Making Championship, held annual in the Scottish village of Carrbridge.

Chieftain Charlie Miller has overseen the competition for over 20 years, but is preparing to bow down from the role. Yet, while he acts as a core protagonist of Constantine Costi's documentary the film is a celebration of the volunteers and competitors who bring the event together each October. The Carrbridge residents in particular have a knowing humour about them, aware of their quirks and eccentricities. Through their unassuming nature a natural charm develops and flows throughout the film.

While we see a seriousness from the competitors, some of whom travelthere's still a lightness to the air of competition to all, bar one. It's a reminder that the two key factors to both the film and award The Golden Spurtle are porridge and Carrbridge - the small, close-knit nature of which is effectively captured in picturesque fashion by the cameras.

There's a sense of pride from and about both elements which infuses the documentary. This isn't a mere oddity or quirky annual happening, it's something that's genuinely looked forward to and enjoyed. To some extent it's a shame that we only get to spend 75-minutes in the village's endearing company - especially when you learn there's an unseen speciality contest alongside the regular porridge making competition.

Yet, the short run-time still allows for time to be given to each moment, character, event and interview. There's a quietness to the film that adds to the comforting feel that it has. A warmth and simplicity which matches the way in which those we see on screen talk about bowls of porridge. As I mentioned, this is in part a celebration, and by the time the actual competition came around I had a difficult-to-remove smile spread across my face.

As we first arrive in Carrbridge and learn about the start of the championship a gentleness is established. Not long after Charlie recites a poem about porridge and tells a joke at the expense of England and the warm-hearted spirit continues until the very end. From the opening stages the film naturally gets you to drop any cynicism or pretentions you may be carrying and wraps you in the welcoming world of comfort and porridge.

Almost instantly engaging, The Golden Spurtle is a warm, sincere look at the World Porridge Making Championship. Calmly watching and admiring the proud quirks and eccentricities in both the competitors and organisers which help make it happen.

Four stars