Iran (IMNA) - “The Traveler” follows the story of Qassem Julayi, a 12-year-old boy living in the impoverished city of Malayer, who is more interested in football than his studies. His illiterate mother frequently criticizes him for neglecting schoolwork, but Qassem cleverly crafts excuses for his poor grades. The film opens with a humorous scene where he arrives late to school, claiming a toothache while concealing a football magazine he has bought.
Determined to see an important football match in Tehran, 150 miles away, Qassem sets out on the journey alone but needs 10 tomans for bus fare. After stealing five tomans from his mother’s hidden stash, which she reports to the school principal, Qassem faces punishment instead of sympathy. Undeterred, he teams up with his friend Akbar to raise money by selling small items. Their efforts yield little success until Qassem devises a plan to take “portraits” of younger children with an empty camera, charging five rials per session.
After significant effort, Qassem sells his team’s soccer ball to gather enough money for his bus fare. That evening, he anxiously counts down the minutes before sneaking out to catch the bus.
Upon arriving in Tehran the next day, Qassem learns that tickets for the match have sold out just as he reaches the counter. In desperation, he buys a ticket from a scalper at an inflated price. Once inside the stadium, he discovers that the game will not start for another three hours. Eager to explore, he wanders around the athletic complex and even takes a nap in the shade. However, when he awakens, he finds the stadium empty and littered, realizing he has missed the game entirely.
Abbas Kiarostami (1940-2016) was a prominent figure in Iranian cinema, known for his poetic storytelling and innovative filmmaking techniques. He directed over 40 films throughout his career, including critically acclaimed works such as “Close-Up” (1990), “The Wind Will Carry Us” (1999), and “Taste of Cherry” (1997). Kiarostami was instrumental in the Iranian New Wave movement and is celebrated for blending fiction with documentary elements while exploring profound themes of life and death through his unique cinematic lens.
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