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Underdog American Cheesemongers Compete in "Olympics of Cheese"
12 Nov
Summary
- Sara Joe Wolansky left The New Yorker to make a documentary about American cheesemongers
- Cheesemongers compete in the prestigious Mondial du Fromage, the "Olympics of cheese"
- The film follows a team of eccentric U.S. cheesemongers led by Adam "Mr. Moo" Moskowitz

In 2022, filmmaker Sara Joe Wolansky left her job as a video producer at The New Yorker to pursue a feature documentary career. After months of reflection, Wolansky decided to focus her first feature on a topic she was passionate about: the world of American cheesemongers.
Wolansky spent nearly three years following a team of eccentric and determined U.S.-based cheesemongers led by Adam "Mr. Moo" Moskowitz as they competed in the Mondial du Fromage, the prestigious "Olympics of cheese" held in France every two years. The film, titled "The Big Cheese," explores the personal stories and challenges faced by these underdogs as they strive to beat the French at their own game.
The documentary delves into the lives of these cheesemongers, revealing their deep expertise and passion for their craft. Despite the daunting task of competing against the French, who are renowned for their cheese-making prowess, the American team is determined to prove their worth on the global stage. The film not only captures the high-stakes competition but also the personal redemption stories of the cheesemongers, including Moskowitz's journey to overcome addiction and suicidal thoughts.




