There are some films that not only tell a story but leave you with a craving, and Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life is one of them. This 1-hour 20-minute documentary offers a warm, heartfelt look into the life of Sergio Dondoli, one of the world’s most celebrated gelato artisans, whose shop in the medieval town of San Gimignano has become a must-visit for travellers seeking a truly exceptional scoop. The film will be released worldwide on digital platforms on August 19, 2025, inviting audiences everywhere to step into his world.
The structure of the documentary is simple yet captivating: much of it is Dondoli himself narrating his journey from a modest upbringing to the present day, punctuated with carefully chosen photographs, archival clips, and present-day footage. His delivery is so full of life—joyful, positive, and warmly humble—that it’s impossible not to be drawn in. Whether he’s recalling how he and his wife Franca first met in Germany back in 1977, or sharing a laugh as Franca playfully describes their decades together as “too long”, his personality radiates through every scene.
We follow Dondoli into his gelateria, known as Gelateria Dondoli, where the artistry behind his work comes into focus. He proudly explains that his milk comes from a biodiversity farm, 100% raw before he pasteurises it himself—a stark contrast, he points out, to store-bought milk, which he says is 87% water. His fruit, he tells us, is 80–90% organic.
These high standards, combined with his inventive flavours, are what he believes make his gelato not only the best in the region, but perhaps in the world. His signature creations range from Crema di Santa Fina (saffron and pine nuts) to Champelmo (pink grapefruit and Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine), alongside imaginative blends like Rosemary’s Baby (rosemary and raspberry) and Venere Nera (blackberry and lavender).
Throughout the documentary, we meet people whose lives and work intersect with his own, including the owner of the farm that supplies his milk, Michelin-starred chef Gaetano Trovato of Arnolfo, and renowned Tuscan butcher Dario Cecchini. Each one shares their respect for Dondoli’s craft and their agreement that his gelato is unmatched. Even in brief moments, the camaraderie and admiration shine through.
Director Jay Arnold—making his documentary feature debut—captures more than just a biography. Known for the romantic comedy What Happens Next and the award-winning drama Shoulder Dance, Arnold works alongside co-writers Matt Dallas and Jillian Hurley, and with cinematographer Gabriel Munitz-Alessio (who also produced alongside Dallas, Hurley, and Frank Lomento), Arnold frames Dondoli’s life as a celebration of joy, purpose, and connection. The cinematography leans into the sensory experience, pairing the lush Tuscan scenery with close-up shots of swirling gelato, hands crafting delicate scoops, and the bustle of Piazza della Cisterna outside his shop. By the time the credits roll, you’d be forgiven for adding “trip to San Gimignano” to your bucket list.
The film has already enjoyed an impressive festival run, winning Best Feature Documentary at the 2025 East Village New York Film Festival, Best Documentary at the 2025 Red Movie Awards (Winter Edition), Best Indie Feature at the 2024 Los Angeles Film Awards, and taking home honours for Best Food Film and Best Biographical Feature Film at the 2024 World Film Festival in Cannes. Distributed by Breaking Glass Pictures, a company known for spotlighting bold, emotionally rich, and culturally resonant stories, Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life is the kind of documentary that lingers, both for its craft and for its heart.
Awards aside, what makes the film truly special is its ability to make the audience feel like they’ve spent an afternoon with an old friend, one who’s generous with his stories, his laughter, and his gelato. Full of character, charm, and mouth-watering visuals, Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life is a joyful reminder that the secret ingredient in any great creation is the passion of the person behind it.
Charming, uplifting, and brimming with flavour, this is a documentary that proves happiness, much like gelato, is best when shared.
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