A driven Professor leads her Gen Z students on a team training/survival course to search for “the Lost Dutchman’s Gold“ in the Superstition Wilderness. The students inadvertently discover a new map and are terrorized by backcountry Treasure Hunters. Based on a series of actual incidents. Finalist Stage32 Search for New Blood, Semifinalist Stage32 Action/Thriller

SYNOPSIS:

No one really expected to find gold… and no one expected to die. Ambitious Middle-Eastern college Professor DR. Rashida Gula (’30s), has a diverse group of Gen Z students (ages 18-22) who hike, climb and rappel through the desert wilderness as part of management, team-training, and survival course. When determined Students combine several maps, they create a new one that may lead them to the “Lost Dutchman’s” treasure. But, there are others tracking them, unseen.

Their Apache guide, Russell Minjardis (’40s), is uneasy about the greed-fueled decision to pursue the treasure, and those following. Elena encourages her Students even though their supplies could run out. Fears become realized when a family of “Placers” (survivalist Treasure Hunters) take any means necessary to keep the gold for themselves. The dangerous pursuit through haunting canyons and cliffs takes its toll... and they must rely on their newly acquired skills to live.

I feel the action, suspense, and varied characters all contribute to “The Superstitions” broad appeal. And, recent news of gold hunters lost in the Superstition Wilderness make this an opportune story. I appreciate your time and consideration.