Thursday, February 13, 8:30 p.m. | We close this year’s festival with a title new to our screens, as HIT THE ROAD received a small theatrical release in 2021, when theaters were still recovering from the pandemic (and our Festival of Films from Iran did not return until 2023). In Panah Panahi’s (son of Jafar Panahi) charming, sharp-witted road-trip movie, a family of four—two middle-aged parents, their grown son, and their energetic six-year-old—drive across the Iranian countryside. On the drive they bond and bicker about the past, about their fears for the future, and over their dog. When the purpose of their journey is revealed, it hits you with an emotional wallop.

Awards & Nominations

Nominee - Golden Camera, Cannes Film Festival
Winner - Best Film, London Film Festival

Festival of Films from Iran: For the 36th year of our Festival of Films from Iran, we’re taking the opportunity to look back at some of the highlights of Iranian cinema we’ve presented at the Film Center—during the festival and year round— in the last 36 years. Read more

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu