The Big Cheese: Documentary Explores American Cheesemongers' Quest for Global Recognition

The Quest for Global Cheese Acclaim

• 🎯 The documentary "The Big Cheese" follows American cheesemongers aiming to be the first from the U.S. to win the prestigious Mondial du Fromage competition.
• 🏆 Led by third-generation cheesemonger Adam Moskowitz, the trainees face challenges like blind tastings, cheese pairings, and cheeseboard designs.
• 🇺🇸 The film explores why American cheesemongers haven't historically had the same international reputation as those in countries like France, where cheese is deeply ingrained in culture.

The World of Cheesemongers

• 💡 Director Sara Joe Wolansky discovered that cheesemongers are often incredibly interesting individuals with diverse backgrounds, including PhDs and punk rock histories.
• 🧀 Many cheesemongers are passionate about sharing the story behind every cheese, making them knowledgeable and engaging professionals.
• 🎨 The documentary highlights the unique artistry of cheesemongers, such as Lilith Spencer, known for creating visually stunning and bold cheese platters that influence social media trends.

The Cheesemonger Invitational (CMI)

• 🎉 The CMI began as a warehouse party initiated by Adam Moskowitz, evolving into a significant event that recognizes cheesemongers as professionals.
• 🇺🇸 Compared to the more formal Mondial du Fromage, the CMI is described as looser and more fun, reflecting the growing recognition of American cheese expertise.
• 🏆 The film focuses on the winners of the CMI Masters, considered the 'Olympic trials' for the cheese competition, with the director interviewing all competitors beforehand.

International Competition and American Cheese Culture

• 🇫🇷 The Mondial du Fromage in France is depicted as a more buttoned-up and serious event, with strict presentation requirements and intense competition.
• 🌍 The competition brings together cheesemongers from around the world, showcasing diverse perspectives on cheese culture, including emerging scenes in Japan and the role of cheese in providing hope in Ukraine.
• 📝 Competitors at Mondial du Fromage are tested on various skills, including oral presentations, precise cutting, blind tastings, cheese plateau design, and written tests, many of which are unfamiliar to typical American cheesemongers.

Changing Perceptions of Cheese

• 🗣️ The documentary aims to encourage viewers to visit their local cheese shop and engage with cheesemongers, who can offer a sensory journey through cheese history and flavors.
• 🧀 Viewers are encouraged to think differently about purchasing cheese, savoring it as a living, special item akin to fine wine.
• 🌸 Wolansky's favorite cheeses include the visually stunning 'Out Blossom' and the simple pleasure of freshly cracked Parmigiano-Reggiano.