Live life to the fullest!
Set against the backdrop of Tuscany, Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life offers a joyful, sensory-rich portrait of the world-renowned gelato artisan whose passion for his craft - and for life itself - has touched visitors from across the globe. From humble beginnings to global acclaim, Dondoli’s story is one of purpose, persistence, and the sweet rewards of doing what you love.
Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life features appearances by famed Italian culinary legends including Panzano’s Dario Cecchini, often referred to as the world’s best butcher, and chef Gaetano Trovato, of Tuscany's longest-running two-Michelin-starred restaurant Arnolfo. The film has already garnered critical acclaim and awards from film festivals worldwide.
And for good reason.
This feature length documentary, focusing on the life and times of Sergio Dondoli is, at once, heart-warming and life-affirming. There is a rich depth at work here; highlighting not only Sergio’s secrets to a ‘happy life’ but some of the Gelato Master’s most moving moments. It is truly compelling, making for an interesting documentary - which is just about as unexpected as they come.
Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life is directed by Jay Arnold and written by Jay Arnold, Matt Dallas, and Jillian Hurley. To put it in culinary terms, this documentary is a tasty reminder that passion and food are universal languages.
After studying hospitality in Montecatini Terme, Pistoia, Italy, Sergio Dondoli travelled throughout Europe refining his culinary craft as a restaurateur and gelato maker. In 1992 he opened the world-renowned and celebrated Gelateria Dondoli in Piazza della Cisterna, the central square of San Gimignano in Tuscany.
Since then, Sergio has created original, innovative flavors that have become famous and have been trademarked. Dondoli’s gelato is made from carefully selected high-quality ingredients, focused on local specialties from Tuscany and other Italian regions. He has won numerous awards including two Ice Cream World Championships with the Italian team and twice won the prestigious Ice Cream World Cup with the Italian team.
And this film explains just how he goes about it: with focus and purpose and joy, joy, joy!
Breaking Glass Pictures will release Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life starting August 19, 2025 on all streaming platforms. Celebrates the joy of craft, gelato, and living
Fully with a true master!
MPAA Rating:
Runtime:
Director: Jay Arnold
Writer: Jay Arnold; Matt Dallas
Cast: Sergio Dondoli; Dario Cecchini; Gaetano Trovato
Genre: Documentary
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "in our farm, the cows are free."
Distributor: Breaking Glass Pictures
Official Site:
Release Date: August 19, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: The boundless joy and unabashed passion of master gelato-maker Sergio Dondoli take center stage in this exuberant tribute to the delights of food, creativity, and a life well-lived. 'Sergio Dondoli's Happy Life' chronicles the rise of Dondoli and his world-famed Tuscan gelateria. What emerges is a portrait of a man who started from the humblest beginnings yet found a way to cultivate sweetness in all its forms through his life's work.
