TEHRAN- “A Band of Dreamers and a Judge” by Iranian director Hesam Eslami will go on screen at the Hot Docs, a major Canadian international documentary festival, which is scheduled to be held from April 25 to May 5.

A co-production between Iran and France, this film delves into the legend surrounding the mountains of Savadkooh in northern Iran. Rumored to be filled with buried treasure, ancient pottery, and gold, the area has become a hotspot for illegal excavations by treasure hunters hoping to strike it rich.

In a story reminiscent of Indiana Jones, the film explores the notion that the dirt of the motherland holds more value than any gold or riches that may be unearthed. The theft of pre-Islamic-era artifacts is considered a grave offense, punishable by law. Despite the efforts of a local judge and her enforcement team to crack down on looters, gangs of treasure hunters continue to scour the hills in search of hidden treasures.

As the line between reality and fantasy blurs, the film questions whether the true treasure lies in the tangible riches unearthed from tombs, or in the intangible richness of life itself. Is the allure of potential wealth worth the destruction caused by relentless excavation? Ultimately, the film forces viewers to ponder what truly constitutes treasure in the grand scheme of things.

The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival is the largest documentary festival in North America. The event takes place annually in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

SAB/