Hit the Road
Directed by Panah Panahi
Panah Panahi, son and collaborator of embattled Iranian master Jafar Panahi, makes a striking feature debut with this charming, sharp-witted, and deeply moving comic drama. HIT THE ROAD takes the tradition of the Iranian road-trip movie and adds unexpected twists and turns. It follows a family of four – two middle-aged parents and their sons, one a taciturn adult, the other an ebullient six-year-old – as they drive across the Iranian countryside. Over the course of the trip, they bond over memories of the past, grapple with fears of the unknown, and fuss over their sick dog. Unspoken tensions arise and the film builds emotional momentum as it slowly reveals the furtive purpose for their journey. The result is a humanist drama that offers an authentic, raw, and deeply sincere observation of an Iranian family preparing to part with one of their own.
“A lovable and affecting crowd-pleaser with universal appeal and real potential to become a word-of-mouth hit.”
“Phenomenal! Thrillingly inventive, satisfyingly textured and infused with warmth and humanity, this is a triumph.”
“A breath of fresh air and a truly original work… contains more thrilling cinema than most other films at this year’s Cannes put together.”
“A stunningly assured road movie.“
“An intimate, frequently funny, poignant and deeply moving piece of work… damned near to being a masterpiece – if it isn’t simply one already.”
Winner: Best Film – BFI London Film Festival
Winner: GGA New Directors Prize – San Francisco Film Festival
Winner: Honorable Mention for Best Ensemble Cast – Philadelphia Film Festival
Winner: Honorable Mention to Amin Simiar – Fort Lauderdale Film Festival
Official Selection – Cannes Film Festival (Directors’ Fortnight)
Official Selection – New York Film Festival
Official Selection – AFI Fest
Pantea Panahiha
Rayan Sarlak
Amin Simiar
Writer Panah Panahi
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