Gold industry organisation the World Gold Council (WGC) has released a documentary that explores gold’s influence on culture, creativity and society, as told through the voice and life stories of renowned musician Elton John.

The 'Touched by Gold' documentary illustrates that gold, which is a precious metal and trusted financial asset, is also an enduring part of global culture and a vital resource for its role in medicine, technology and the advancement of society, says WGC CEO David Tait.

“Our latest documentary explores the untold stories of gold. I hope that this film will deepen understanding of gold’s critical role in society, not just as a store of value, but as a catalyst for innovation, creativity and the positive development of societies and economies,” he says.

The documentary grants audiences an exclusive look at John's personal archive and reveals the ways gold has inspired his art, music and sense of individuality, the organisation says.

John shares the many deep and personal connections he has forged with gold over the years in the film, which provides a unique insight to his storied life and artistic achievements, it states.

Further, the film also highlights gold’s vital but lesser-known role in modern medicine and science, including that is serves as a key component in pacemakers. John came to rely on this technology after being fitted with one in 1999, the WGC says.

The documentary also highlights how gold has been used in the development of human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) detection technologies.

John founded the Elton John Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Foundation in 1992, which has raised more than $650-million to expand access to healthcare, combat HIV stigma and help end AIDS, the WGC says.

“Gold has been there throughout some of my defining moments, including my gold Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards, the gold microphones I've used for some of my biggest albums, and even the gold lamè suit I wore on stage at Glastonbury,” said John.