Like father like son, and just like that, there’s competition in the Panahi family for the best filmmaker. Having studied cinema at the Tehran University of Art, then moving into the roles of assistant cinematographer and assistant director, eventually acting as a consultant, editor, and assistant director on his famous filmmaking father, Jafar Panahi‘s most recent films, Panah Panahi is making his feature-length debut, “Hit The Road.” Making its debut in the Director’s Fortnight sidebar of the Cannes Film Festival, “ “Hit The Road,” a road trip family film, looks rather fabulous too, a humanist slice of life drama.
READ MORE: Cannes Film Festival 2021 Preview: 25 Films To Watch
And the trailer, which we’re proud to present here exclusively, looks beguiling, set to a catchy Iranian pop song (Marjan’s “Gomshodeh”). Starring Hassan Madjooni, Pantea Panahiha, Rayan Sarlak, and Amin Simiar, this Farsi-language film centers on an Iranian family preparing to part with one of their own. Here’s the official synopsis:
READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2021
A family of four. The dad seems to have a broken leg. The mom alternates between laughter and tears. The kid performs wild car karaoke, complete with dance numbers. His older brother, a mysterious air on his face, is driving them all towards the frontier. He is about to leave Iran, and his family is coming with him on this farewell road trip. Fond memories of the past alternate with fears of the unknown and uncertain future: how can you say goodbye? For his debut feature, Panah Panahi portrays the raw, authentic, and deeply human dynamics of an Iranian family preparing to part with one of their own.
READ MORE: Summer 2021 Preview: Over 50 Movies To Watch
Celluloid Dreams is handling sales on “Hit The Road.” Panahi recently worked on “3 Faces” as an editor, and dad won’t be far away. Jafar is also in Cannes, debuting his short within the anthology film, “The Year of the Everlasting Storm” for Neon Films. “Hit The Road” actually makes its world premiere today, Saturday, July 10, in the Director’s Fortnight section. Watch the new trailer below.
Follow along with our full Cannes 2021 coverage here.
