Tartufai (truffle Hunters) 2016

About the film

Tartufai is a feature-length documentary that explores the social and culinary exchange surrounding black summer truffles from Emilia-Romagna. Throughout the film, viewers journey through the lower Apennines in Italy with three generations of truffle hunters in search of the Tuber Aestivum, or black summer truffle. History, culture, and recipes unfold through community dinners, festivals, cooking, selling, and, of course, hunting for the prized truffle. Using only a dog and a shovel, this visual journey unveils the steps taken to protect and share the secrets of the truffle hunters.

Synopsis

An immersive exploration of humanity's connection to nature, Tartufai – Truffle Hunters follows truffle-hunting communities in Emilia Romagna, Italy. This story unveils the journey of truffles from the ground to the plate, focusing on their transformation from a natural wonder into a culinary delicacy. Follow two friends as they share their knowledge of truffles, witness a father and son on their first hunt together, and meet a female truffle hunter determined to prove that this sport isn’t just for men. These are just a few of the captivating stories surrounding this magical ingredient. Rooted in ethnographic research and participatory nonfiction filmmaking, the film captures the fleeting moments between dog and shovel. Experience the profound impact an elusive fungus can have on individuals, their communities, and our relationship with the earth.

Director’s Statement

Tartufai takes place in the Emilia Romagna region, an area renowned for its rich culinary history, including Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar. Yet, it discreetly harbors another natural wonder, hidden in plain sight. With the lore of white truffles and the secretive nature of their search for this valuable fungus, I decided to spend six weeks in the summer wandering the woods, chasing the stories of the more modest Tuber Aestivum—the black summer truffle. While no one revealed their secret locations, I was taken aback by the generosity I encountered as I met all types of truffle hunters.

This film was made in collaboration with Enrico Casini and Reginaldo Cerilinni, who introduced us to the truffle community in Viano, a small town in the Apennine Mountains known as the “City of Truffle.” The second part of the film focuses on a truffle festival in Ranchio Sarsina, where members come together to share the fruits of their land and sustain an aging community. Both the places and the people reveal the true cost of pursuing truffles and what remains of this tradition.

The approach to this film stemmed from my curiosity about anthropology and ethnography, particularly the way a commodified object from nature integrates into a community and shapes human connection. My fascination with mushrooms has always leaned toward consumption, but despite how delicious they are, I remain in awe of their essential role in the environment.

Tracking the truffle required an observational and participatory approach to understanding both the people and the journey of a truffle from the ground to the plate. It’s nearly impossible to resist a plate of freshly made pasta topped with foraged truffles. The works of Les Blank and Chick Strand heavily influenced the film’s method, particularly their focus on hands, labor, and folklore. Tartufai is intended as an hour-long escape to Italy, offering a sensorial experience of the unseen side of truffle hunting through a range of fascinating characters. To fully enjoy this film, it is recommended to consume truffles within an hour before, during, or after viewing.

Technical Specifications

Run time: 57 minutes
Screening Format: DCP
Language: Italian
Subtitles: English