The Runner
Directed by Amir Naderi • 1984 • Iran
Starring Madjid Niroumand, Moussa Torkizadeh, Abbas Nazeri
Childhood takes on mythic dimensions in one of the defining works of postrevolutionary Iranian cinema. Inspired by director Amir Naderi’s own boyhood, THE RUNNER is lit from within by Madjid Niroumand’s electrifying performance as a young orphan fending for himself on the streets of a port city, determined to rise above his circumstances—working odd jobs, passing time with friends, learning to read—and running, always running, toward the future. Water, fire, the human body in motion: in hypnotic images of lyrical power, Naderi finds unexpected glory in the world of a boy suspended between modernity and elemental natural forces as he chases his own path forward.
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The Runner
Directed by Amir Naderi • 1984 • Iran
Starring Madjid Niroumand, Moussa Torkizadeh, Abbas NazeriChildhood takes on mythic dimensions in one of the defining works of postrevolutionary Iranian cinema. Inspired by director Amir Naderi’s own boyhood, THE RUNNER is lit from within by Madjid Nirouman...
Extras
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Amir Naderi and Ramin Bahrani on THE RUNNER
In this interview, conducted by the Criterion Collection in 2023, director Amir Naderi talks about his storied career, including THE RUNNER, with filmmaker Ramin Bahrani, a longtime friend and collaborator.
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Madjid Niroumand and Amir Naderi on THE RUNNER
In this conversation, moderated at Film Forum in October 2022 by repertory programmer Bruce Goldstein, actor Madjid Niroumand reunites with director Amir Naderi to discuss their experiences making THE RUNNER.
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Waiting / Afterword
In this interview, director Amir Naderi reflects on his short film WAITING.
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Where Do You Stand Today, Amir Naderi?
Amir Naderi made this short film essay in 2018, on the occasion of his career retrospective at the Centre Pompidou. It sheds light on the director’s life and passions in the decades since the making of THE RUNNER.
