Taksi (film)

Taksi, also known internationally as Taxi, is a 2015 Iranian docufiction film directed by Jafar Panahi. The film stars Panahi as himself, driving a taxi through the streets of Tehran.

Synopsis:

The film unfolds as a series of encounters within Panahi's taxi. He picks up various passengers, each representing a different facet of Iranian society. These passengers include a pirated DVD vendor, two elderly women carrying goldfish in a bowl hoping to release them at a sacred spring, a lawyer discussing human rights, and a severely injured man and his distraught wife. Panahi interacts with them, listening to their stories, offering advice, and at times, getting drawn into their dilemmas. The film blends fictional elements with real-life scenarios, creating a poignant and often humorous portrayal of contemporary Iranian life. Panahi's niece, Hana Saeidi, also features prominently in the film, documenting events with her camera and engaging in conversations about filmmaking ethics.

Background:

Jafar Panahi was banned from filmmaking in Iran in 2010 for "propaganda against the system." Taksi was made in defiance of this ban, filmed covertly and without official permission. Like his previous films This Is Not a Film and Closed Curtain, Taksi explores themes of censorship, freedom of expression, and the human condition under restrictive circumstances.

Reception:

Taksi was widely acclaimed by critics, who praised its ingenuity, humor, and social commentary. It won the Golden Bear at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival in 2015.

Awards:

• Golden Bear, Berlin International Film Festival (2015)