Exploring the World of American Cheesemongers in “The Big Cheese”
DOC NYC’s insightful documentary, The Big Cheese, delves into the world of American cheesemongers striving for international recognition. As these passionate artisans endeavor to gain respect at the prestigious Mondial du Fromage, filmmaker Sara Joe Wolansky captures their compelling journey. “The Big Cheese” not only highlights the dedication of these cheesemongers but also explores their personal narratives, aiming to elevate their status in a field traditionally dominated by European counterparts.
From Video Production to Documentaries
Sara Joe Wolansky transitioned from her role as a video producer at The New Yorker in 2022, stepping into the realm of feature documentaries. Her fascination with the world of cheesemongers led her to create a film that highlights these experts in cheese, akin to the revered status sommeliers hold in the wine industry. The documentary chronicles the quest of American cheesemongers as they take on the formidable challenge of competing in France’s Mondial du Fromage.
The Journey Through “The Big Cheese”
The film follows a distinctive group led by Adam “Mr. Moo” Moskowitz, an ensemble of dedicated U.S.-based cheesemongers facing personal and professional hurdles while preparing for the world-renowned competition. Despite the prestigious status of cheesemongers in Europe, American counterparts often struggle to earn the same respect and recognition, a narrative central to Wolansky’s debut feature documentary.
Challenges and Triumphs
In an interview with Variety ahead of the DOC NYC premiere, Wolansky shared the complexities involved in making The Big Cheese. With so many layers to the story beyond just competition, the film explores a diverse range of personal tales, which Wolansky found both enriching and challenging to condense. Securing funding for such a unique documentary was another hurdle, especially as a first-time feature director without a portfolio of similar projects to her name. Yet, the support from investors who believed in the project’s unconventional approach was instrumental in bringing it to fruition.
Telling a Complex, Light-Hearted Story
Despite the inherently unpredictable nature of competition documentaries, Wolansky embraced the uncertainty of depicting American cheesemongers as underdogs. Understanding that victory was uncertain, she focused on narrating a deeper story. Central to this is Adam Moskowitz’s journey of overcoming addiction—a powerful subplot that underscores personal redemption alongside seeking international respect in the cheese community.
Wolansky also aimed to balance the film’s heavier themes with humor and light-heartedness, making the narrative accessible and engaging. While tackling serious issues, including struggles with addiction, The Big Cheese remains an optimistic and inspiring film that connects deeply with audiences, blending empathy with entertainment.
The Big Cheese premieres at DOC NYC, offering viewers a unique glance into the determined world of American cheesemongers striving for international acclaim, weaving personal triumphs and the quest for respect into a vivid cinematic experience.
