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Man Push Cart

Ramin Bahrani’s debut film, MAN PUSH CART (2005), garnered overwhelming international acclaim during its highly successful run through the festival circuit, from Venice to London to Sundance. An exploration of lost dreams and begrudging realities, the film showcases Bahrani’s astute directorial vision through the story of Ahmad, a Pakistani street vendor in Manhattan. Ahmad’s work begins before dawn when he pushes his cart on the busy New York streets from a storage garage to midtown Manhattan. The process is grueling and demeaning, yet Ahmad labors without even the slightest complaint. He hopes the money he earns from selling bagels and coffee to Manhattan's elite will help him get his six-year-old son back. Since the death of Ahmad’s wife, the child has been living with Ahmad’s disapproving in-laws. When fellow Pakistani immigrant Mohammad, a smooth-talking businessman, approaches the cart one morning, Ahmad’s luck suddenly seems to change. Mohammad immediately warms to Ahmad, offering him both kindness and economic opportunity. But this brutal city won’t let Ahmad out of its grasp that easily. Bahrani effortlessly weaves together careful storytelling, impressive cinematography, and subtle acting into a powerful first film. (In English and Urdu with English subtitles) – E.J.B.