The Treasure Hunter

Yamashita's Gold is a mythical, untold treasure, allegedly buried by the Japanese Army across the Philippine archipelago during World War II, with the prospect of retrieving it in the future. According to the legend, most of it remains concealed beneath the ground to this day. Treasure hunters from all over the world have tried to obtain it, including Jack and his father, who have dedicated their lives to this pursuit, spending millions of dollars in the process. The Treasure Hunter tells the agonizing and archetypal story of a treasure hunt, as if taken straight out of a (dark) fairytale. But it is much more: at the heart of the film pulsates the tragic nature of a son who strives to earn his father’s affection, falling prey to one mistake after another akin to a hero from an ancient tragedy, only to end up with a bitter self-awareness. Visually stunning, masterfully edited, and the culmination of seven years of filming, The Treasure Hunter crafts the portrait of a memorable and agonizingly familiar character.