“To say that the 1984 movie doesn’t seem at all dated is almost an understatement. I can’t think of any 2022 film that radiates so much joy in the act of filmmaking, or that can serve as such an electrifying inspiration to younger artists.” - Godfrey Cheshire, RogerEbert.com

“A work of astonishing power and simplicity, reminiscent of the finest Italian neo-realist films.” - Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

February 11 at 1pm & February 13 at 8:15pm | In Naderi’s long-unseen masterpiece, Amiro, an illiterate 11-year-old orphan living alone in an abandoned tanker in the Iranian port city of Abadan, survives by shining shoes, selling water, and diving for deposit bottles, while being bullied by both adults and competing older kids. But he finds solace by dreaming about departing cargo ships and airplanes and by running - seemingly to nowhere. The Festival of Films from Iran proudly presents THE RUNNER in a stunning new restoration from Rialto Pictures. (Rialto)


Festival of Films from IranThe festival endures as a showcase that has brought the innovation, resilience, and humanism of one of the world’s great national cinemas to Chicago audiences over three decades. Now, more than ever, the voices of Iranian artists need to be heard in exploring our shared humanity through history, compassion, comedy, and love. Whether you are a longtime supporter or completely new to Iranian cinema, please join us in discovery! View full festival here.


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