Man Push Cart
Ramin Bahrani
USA | 2005 | 87mins | 35mm | Colour

Ahmad is a hard-working Pakistani trying to keep his head above water in New York, ekeing out a living by serving coffee and treats to the busy Manhattanites from his push cart during the day, and earning some extra cash by selling bootleg DVDs by night.

He meets affluent fellow countryman Mohammad, who takes him under his wing, offering welcome work decorating his apartment. He also befriends Spanish woman Noemi, who works at the newsstand close to Ahmad’s cart. The three start to socialise together, but these ill-defined relationships falter, as we see timid Ahmad patronised by Mohammad and taken for granted by Noemi. We gradually learn more about Ahmad, about how he was a famous rock star back home, but also how he is haunted by a past tragedy.

Iranian-American director Ramin Bahrani has crafted a subtle, affecting, and beautifully drawn character study, a poignant tale of a man struggling to connect with a city he desperately wants to call home.