The Fruit Hunters

Yung Chang Canada 95 min.

If you ever felt the urge to stick your hand right through the screen and in to the movie, now would be the time! When following the hunters on their amazing and fascinating journey through the surprisingly unfamiliar world of fruit gathering, one wishes to pick a piece of fruit himself. Award-winning filmmaker Yung Chang takes you on a cultural fruit journey. Apart from discovering various kinds of fruit, he also experiences and learns what it means to be a 'fruit hunter'. It is rather mind-boggling to what extent some people go to find the perfect fruit…

The Fruit Hunters is not merely shedding light on the incredible variety of exotic fruits, the documentary also shows what it means to be obsessed with it. From the beautiful Umbria, into the hot jungles of Borneo, and even in your own backyard, fruit fanatics are everywhere! Director Yung Chang wishes to capture the experience of the fruit hunter. The sweet but healthy journey moves alongside diverse cultures and passes through beautiful areas. The viewer encounters different fruit hunters, including movie star and fruit fanatic Bill Pullman.
 
It is surprising how a seemingly everyday subject like fruit can tell such a distinguished and compelling story. The Fruit Hunters changes the way we look at fruit. But Yung Chang also puts the exotic fruit hunting story into sheer contrast to its commercialization. Looking for the perfect type of apple or banana for export, the industry has created a monoculture bringing fruit diversity at risk. The work of the fruit hunters, as protectors of fruit diversity, has become a full-time obsession. Previously director Yung Chang made headlines with his award-winning documentary Up the Yangtze (2007), and with The Fruit Hunters, once again, Chang created a finger-licking sensational film.
 
After the screening of March 26th follows the DOCVILLE² activity Exotic Fruit Tasting.
Tickets for the film + fruit tasting can be bought here.