American Cheese - Documentary

American Cheese is a feature documentary profiling one of America's most acclaimed cheese companies, Uplands Cheese.

We follow the story of two cheesemakers at a crossroad in their lives. As one successful career comes to an end, another is just beginning. Our film highlights the cycles of life on the farm while redefining the story of American Cheese.



Note from the filmmaker - Arthur Ircink

In 2008 I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Gingrich, Cheesemaker, and owner of Uplands Cheese, makers of Pleasant Ridge Reserve. I traveled to Dodgeville, Wisconsin to interview Mike for a Wisconsin Foodie (PBS) segment.

As I stood on the farm for no more than five minutes, animals had begun to surround me.  At that moment, I knew there was something very special about this place!


As part of our interview, I was introduced to Uplands newest Cheesemaker, Andy Hatch.  Andy had been working as an apprentice to Mike but was transitioning to Head Cheesemaker.  I asked Andy about his future plans and his response was, “to own a cheese company, hopefully, Uplands.”

Fast forward four years later and Mike Gingrich was ready to retire from cheesemaking and looking to sell Uplands, including the cows. I follow Andy as he tries to find a way to purchase the business but, obstacles stand in the way.

After 4 years following the stories on the farm we are ready to start editing. You could only imagine the amount of footage we have accumulated after four years of production both from the farm and traveling the country!

We need your help! 

Our current goal is to raise at least $30,000 to start the post-production process. Your donations will go to the following: editors, assistant editors, sound design, original music score, website design and development, color correction, etc.