Stolen Dough is a dramatic, in-depth exploration of one of the most significant yet unknown legal battles in the food industry, directed by AFI Award-winner Stefano Da Frè. The film chronicles the remarkable true story of Anthony Mongiello, an Italian-American who, at the age of 18, borrowed $3,000 to file a groundbreaking patent for the method of making "Stuffed Crust Pizza."
In 1995, a well-known pizza chain launched this revolutionary product mere months after being approached by Mongiello with the idea for sale and denying the purchase. This ignites a fierce legal battle that sees Anthony take on the corporate giant in a billion-dollar lawsuit. Through a blend of cinematic recreations, interviews, and archival footage, Stolen Dough delves into one of America's biggest corporate frauds, revealing Anthony’s relentless fight to protect his family’s name and legacy.
Described as a powerful David vs. Goliath story, the film captures Anthony's resilience and pursuit of justice, offering an immersive look into his extraordinary journey. Anthony "The Big Cheese" Mongiello, the film's protagonist, shares his profound happiness about finally telling his story to a worldwide audience: The opportunity to present his journey and clarify the origins of Stuffed Crust Pizza on such a prestigious platform is a dream come true for him. Stolen Dough breaks down the injustice of the justice system when individuals must protect their intellectual property from billion-dollar industry leaders.
It’s hard not to be on Anthony’s side as you watch Stolen Dough. Americans love an underdog, and the film makes it clear that Anthony was just that; the inventor with an industry-changing idea based on his family’s home cooking who is defrauded by the people he approached with the idea. If you’ve ever enjoyed a stuffed crust pizza, you’ll be interested to learn about the winding legal history behind the now-beloved product. While obviously a work of documentary propaganda, it is a much-needed and entertaining take on corporate law and the shady back alleys of the pizza restaurant industry. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Stolen Dough would be a great choice for the food and legal docudrama shelves, particularly where collections highlight business ethics, culinary history, or intellectual property disputes. This unique documentary blends the worlds of food culture and legal drama, tracing a real-life battle over the origins of a beloved pizza recipe. It would also fit well in sections focusing on small business struggles, corporate overreach, or immigrant contributions to American cuisine. Patrons interested in food documentaries, legal conflicts, or underdog stories will find this title both informative and entertaining, making it a versatile addition to public library collections.