THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS

THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS

Rating: M   (Coarse language)
Duration: 84 mins
Director: Michael Dweck, Gregory Kershaw
Genre: Documentary

 

Deep in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, a handful of men, seventy or eighty years young, hunt for the rare and expensive white Alba truffle—which to date has resisted all of modern science’s efforts at cultivation.  They’re guided by a secret culture and training passed down through generations, as well as by the noses of their cherished and expertly trained dogs.  They live a simpler, slower way of life, in harmony with their loyal animals and their picture-perfect land, seemingly straight out of a fairy tale.  They’re untethered to cell phone screens or the Internet, opting instead to make their food and drink by hand and prioritising in-person connections and community.

The demand for white truffles increases year after year, even as the supply decreases.  As a result of climate change, deforestation, and the lack of young people taking up the mantle, the truffle hunters’ secrets are more coveted than ever.  However, as it soon becomes clear, these ageing men may just hold something much more valuable than even this prized delicacy: the secret to a rich and meaningful life.

“Gorgeous. Unique. Delightful. A feast for the eyes and a nourishment for the soul.” The Hollywood Reporter

Official Selection – Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, New York Film Festival

Official Trailer