Trifole

In this bittersweet portrait of a vanishing rural way of life, 28-year-old Dalia leaves London to check up on her ageing grandfather Igor, an expert truffle hunter in the picturesque but isolated Italian region of Piedmont.

Igor is a recluse who has dropped out of contact with his family. Dalia fears the worst, but soon discovers a spry widower living a satisfying life, spending his days questing for white truffles in the woods that surround his cottage, aided by his pet dog, Birba (played by a real life truffle hunting dog!).

However, Igor’s rustic life of contentment has come at a price: His house is being repossessed, the mortgage payments having long been ignored, and he and Dalia have just days to find 40,000 euros. Armed with Igor's field notes, Dalia sets out into the woods, with Birba in tow, in search of a prizewinning truffle to save her grandfather's home.

What ensues is a visually spectacular journey into the rarely seen Piedmont forest, where Dalia and Birba have to contend with rival truffle hunters, the dangers of the forest, and the shady agricultural industry in order to find the legendary lightning-struck truffle.

A touching story about intergenerational connection and the passing down of traditions and knowledge, with a scene-stealing performance from Birba the dog, Gabriele Fabbro’s second feature film is a must for lovers of Italy, food, and dogs.

English and Italian with English subtitles.

Screening at Luna Leederville from June 11.