The Big Cheese

THE BIG CHEESE

A scrappy team of eccentric American cheesemongers defies tradition to take on the world’s top cheese masters at the Mondial du Fromage, battling cultural clashes, personal struggles, and melting cheese in pursuit of respect, redemption, and a historic victory.

A feature documentary directed by Sara Joe Wolansky

Trailer

Press

Variety: “DOC NYC’s ‘The Big Cheese’ Follows American Cheesemongers’ Attempt to Earn International Respect”

“Like a sommelier whose expertise is wine, cheesemongers are experts in cheese…Wolansky spent close to three years following America’s greatest cheesemongers as they attempted the impossible: beating the French at their own game and winning the Mondial du Fromage, the Olympics of cheese.”

NPR: “DOC NYC: The Big Cheese” with Alison Stewart

Director Sara Joe Wolansky discusses the film with “All of It” host Alison Stewart

Forward: “The cheesy way to do teshuvah”

“It’s a compelling look at a slice of an industry whose experts get shorter shrift than their oenological counterparts. (A monger is a cheese sommelier, make no mistake.)....The film may just bring out the patriot in you, as you root for American soft (cheese) power to prevail. It could just be the perfect thing to watch this coming Shavuot.”

Culture Cheese: “5 Unexpected Takeaways from the Premiere of “The Big Cheese”

“I went in expecting a fun afternoon of industry camaraderie. I walked out with a deeper appreciation for just how far the craft has come, how intense the competitions really are, and why this film might change how everyday cheese lovers see the people behind the counter. The Big Cheese…. may do more than spotlight elite mongers—it could shift how everyday consumers engage with cheese.”

Film Threat: The Big Cheese Review – "...more thrilling and intense than you would expect a movie about cheese to be, and like any good documentary, that’s thanks to the director Wolansky and the subjects..."

Spolier Free Reviews: THE BIG CHEESE — "...the leads are so much fun and passionate that I was instantly along for the ride and actually shed a few tears by the end of their journey"

Beyond the Cinerama Dome: “The Big Cheese” is the Wheel Deal — “That’s what makes The Big Cheese such a heartwarming documentary. It’s a chronicle of these people’s pursuit of something larger than themselves, done not for a life-changing amount of money (the grand prize is $2,900), but because of what it means to love something so profoundly.”

Unseen Films: The Big Cheese (2025) DOC NYC 2025 — “To be completely honest I have no notes for THE BIG CHEESE. I just love the film and the people on screen. This is a great story well told. To be completely honest, I was just watching the film smiling, not taking notes and laughing. That's all I need.”