Man Push Cart

The films in the Trans-Borders section of the programme tell of the many frontier crossings immigrants make before finally reaching their new home. In New York, the traditions and views these immigrants bring with them undergo a transformation. It is the collective result of this process that gives the city its polyphonic fascination.

Man Push Cart

D: Ramin Bahrani, USA 2005, 87 min., OV

In Pakistan he was a celebrated rock star. In New York Ahmad sells coffee, donuts and, on the quiet, porn DVDs from his cart. This independent production by Iranian-American director Bahrani uses deliberately reduced cinematic means to tell the story of the daily Sisyphus-like struggle of immigrants in the underground economy.

Supporting film: Lost Book Found

D: Jem Cohen, USA 1996, 37 min.