THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS

THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS is a documentary from Italy about a group of men in a remote town who preserve the coveted profession of truffle hunting. THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS is a simple yet heartfelt look into the lives of several 70- to 80-year-old truffle hunters in Piedmont, Italy. The movie gives viewers a glimpse into the truffle hunters’ lives as the outside world’s booming business gently knocks on their door.

The movie opens as a man traverses through a forest with his two dogs. The dogs are trained for one thing – to find the highly sought-after commodity, truffle.

The movie cuts to a much younger man selling the truffles found in the forest to a client. While the client can’s see or smell the delicacy, the man assures him they are of the highest quality.

However, an abundant supply of truffles is never guaranteed, despite the high demand. The hunters must navigate the changing seasons and low supply. They also must protect their territory and truffle hunting secrets from people trying to steal from them.

One hunter has quit because he thinks people have become greedy and lost respect for the truffles and nature in general. He spends time encouraging others to stop and continuously turns down young business people who want him to hunt again.

However, a lack of supply of truffles and people looking to steal their land are not the only obstacles the hunters face. People also try to poison the hunters’ dogs. One hunter’s dog tragically dies from this trap.

Despite the challenges and delicate balance of preserving tradition, the hunters never lose heart. Their contagious optimism and love for their profession and their dogs – and in some cases, their service to others – fills the documentary with joy.

THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS offers a unique insight into the lives of a handful of elderly men, their dogs, and the joys and trials of truffle hunting in the forests of Piedmont, Italy. The men in the remote village appear to be a remnant of a long generational legacy of truffle hunting. At the same time, the demand for the delicacy increases around them all the time. While some are motivated by money, most of the old hunters love the time spent in nature with their skilled dogs, and, of course, the smell of truffle. However, with few young people taking up the mantle and few old people willing to relinquish their secrets, the practice only grows more coveted.

THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS is a captivating movie of simple beauty and old-fashioned optimism. It explores the generational divide between the truffle hunters of the country and the city’s businessmen, plus the delicate preservation of family tradition. THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS also features scenes of prayer in a church and subtly stresses man’s role in taking care of nature. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children because of some brief foul language.