The Traveller from the South

Running time: N/A

Two very different people journey in search of family and connection, finding it in unexpected and surprising ways in this impressive and interesting feature film debut from 34 year-old director Parviz Shahbazi. The Traveller from the South is the engrossing and tender story of a chance relationship between a young boy and an old woman who meet near Tehran while both are travelling to visit relatives. Reza Moghadam gives a wonderful and sensitive performance as the young boy who demonstrates compassion and commitment as fate places him in unusual circumstances when the old woman falls ill. He leads a cast of performers possessing a remarkable naturalism and splendid realism reflective of the director's vision. The Iranian local color is exquisitely presented, and the simplicity of style is clearly, economically and expressively communicative in a way few films can match. The absence of a traditional music score draws the viewer deeper into the plight of these people about whom we come to care. Winner of the First Prize at the 1997 Tokyo International Film Festival, The Traveller from the South is a unique first feature that captures the flavor of Iran, the spirit and humanity of its people, and the importance of family in a most entertaining and absorbing manner. --Tim Sika