Per the film’s official synopsis, “The Truffle Hunters” follows “a handful of men, seventy to eighty years young, in Piedmont, Italy, on the search for the elusive Alba truffle. They’re guided by a secret culture passed down through generations, as well as by the noses of their cherished and expertly trained dogs. The documentary subtly explores the devastating effects of climate change and deforestation on an age-old tradition through a visually stunning narrative that celebrates life and exalts the human spirit.”

As part of IndieWire’s fall preview package, Eric Kohn wrote that the film tracks “the complex rituals of aging men and their truffle-hunting dogs as the roam the forests of Northern Italy in search of the rare white Alba truffles, for which high-end restaurants will pay a pretty penny. … At the same time, they can’t escape many of the uglier aspects of modern times: Climate change endangers the future of their profession, while the demands of capitalism lead to corruption and fierce competition among their ranks.” Related 40 Must-See New Movies to See This Fall Season ‘Soft & Quiet’: Why the Year’s Most Terrifying Film Was Shot Four Times in a Row Related 23 Controversial Film and TV Book Adaptations That Rankled Their Audiences and Authors Oscars 2023: Best Makeup and Hairstyling Predictions
He added, “The filmmakers capture these phenomenon with a blend of lyrical imagery, flashes of deadpan comedy, and a fairy tale setting that brings a whole new layer to the notion of farm to table. Following last year’s ‘Honeyland,’ Dweck and Kershaw’s movie provides another poetic window into solitary lives where resource-gathering isn’t just a job; it’s a fragile way of life that only the cameras can help explain.“ The film premiered at Sundance in January and was later picked as an official selection of both Cannes and Telluride (though those festivals did not host actual events this year, both released lists of the films that would have made the cut). The film will next screen at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival, making it the rare festival darling to make the slates of all five festivals in a single year. Check out the first trailer for “The Truffle Hunters,” exclusively on IndieWire, below. Sony Pictures Classics will release it in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on December 25. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.