The Truffle Hunters
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 prioritizing 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.
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This movie is so near and dear to us. First of all Carlo reminds us of our dear neighbour Gino and his wife Rosina who we lived next to since our children were young in Pavarolo. They were our adoptive grandparents and loving Piedmont family. They had cows, not truffles, but their spirit is in this film. We do truffle hunt, or try to at least with our own “Luce” the German Short haired pointer dog. She was given to us by our dear friend Luca who is the real deal truffle hunter “tartufaio”. But unlike the characters in this film, he shares his knowledge with our kids to carry on this beautiful Piedmont tradition.