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

Press

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.”

“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.”

“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

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

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Upcoming Screenings

Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

February 6th & 7th, 2026

February 6th & 7th, 2026

Brooklyn, NYC

Nitehawk Cinemas

February 11th, 2026

Includes Mr. Moo's udderly insane box of delicious cheese treats and a 30 min class on how to taste cheese like a pro before the screening. 

Previous Screenings

New York, NY

DOC NYC

November 13th, 15th, and 19th, 2025

November 13th, 15th, and 19th, 2025

Stay in touch

Stay in touch

Get the latest on The Big Cheese – screenings, updates, and more.

Get the latest on The Big Cheese – screenings, updates, and more.

Contact

contact@fannypackfilms.com