Taxi Tehran

In cinemas this weekend, Taxi Tehran is already garnering praise across the board.

Banned Iranian director Jafar Panahi has written, directed and starred new film where he poses as a taxi driver to reveal his country's political and social problems.

Described as a playful ode to cinema, Taxi Tehran was awarded the Golden Bear at the 2015 Berlinale. The entire film takes place inside a car, and observes the various passengers that enter Panahi's vehicle.

A metatheatrical romp, the film shifts from an observation of Iran's liberals and reactionaries, to a question of how film should reflect – or counter – reality. Don't be fooled into thinking it's an inaccessible heavy hitter though: Taxi Tehran is riddled with the director's signature lightness of touch and wit.