The Road Movie: Exploring the Character’s Journey

Directorate of the Institute of Film and Media Studies
First Published: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Last Update: Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Boğaziçi University’s Institute of Film and Media Studies presents its February film screening programme, “The Road Movie: Exploring the Character’s Journey,” a cinematic exploration of mobility, speed, asphalt adventures, discovery, and transformation. Through a carefully curated selection of films, the programme examines how characters embark on journeys that redefine their identities, challenge societal norms, and navigate the vast landscapes of self-discovery. From open highways to winding roads, road movies capture the essence of mobility as a means of rebellion, introspection, and change. The genre, deeply intertwined with ideas of masculinity, independence, and existential wandering, often portrays characters who break away from conventional life, embracing the unpredictability of the road.

Featuring iconic films such as Paris, Texas (Wim Wenders, 1984), Easy Rider (Dennis Hopper, 1969), and Thelma & Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991), the programme showcases different variations of the road movie—whether it’s a quest for meaning, an outlaw chase, or an existential journey. While traditionally focused on male protagonists in crisis, films like The Motorcycle Diaries (Walter Salles, 2004) and Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013) bring a more nuanced perspective, intertwining personal and political transformation. Meanwhile, Taxi Tehran (Jafar Panahi, 2015) pushes the boundaries of the genre, reinventing the road movie within the constraints of political censorship. The programme also includes a special screening of The Straight Story (1999) in memory of the great director David Lynch, who passed away last month. With landscapes ranging from the desolate highways of the American West to the bustling streets of Tehran, each film in the programme captures the road as both a literal and metaphorical space for transformation.

This month-long exploration of the road movie invites audiences to reflect on the tension between freedom and fate, the thrill of the unknown, and the search for identity in motion. Whether through the minimalist narrative of Broken Flowers (Jim Jarmusch, 2005) or the satirical reflections of Get on the Bus (Spike Lee, 1996), the screenings offer a rich cinematic experience that highlights the enduring power of the genre.

Wed, Feb 5, 2025, 18:00
The Passenger | Professione: reporter (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1975)

Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 18:00
Paris, Texas (Wim Wenders, 1984)

Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 18:00
The Motorcycle Diaries | Diarios de motocicleta (Walter Salles, 2004)

Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 18:00
Broken Flowers (Jim Jarmusch, 2005)

Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 18:00
Thelma and Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991)

Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 18:00
Nebraska (Alexander Payne, 2013)

Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 18:00
Easy Rider (Dennis Hopper, 1969)

Mon, Feb 24, 2025, 18:00
Taxi Tehran (Jafar Panahi, 2015)

Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 18:00
Locke (Steven Knight, 2013)

Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 18:00
The Straight Story (David Lynch, 1999)

Thu, Feb 27, 2025, 18:00
Central Station | Central do Brasil (Walter Salles, 1998)

Fri, Feb 28, 2025, 18:00
Get on the Bus (Spike Lee, 1996)

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Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri
18:00
Mithat Alam Hall (Until mid-February - Open: Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00)
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For Students (Open to External Students)
Free Admission (Registration Required for Each Event)
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Follow us on Instagram @ifms.filmscreenings for weekly event registration forms and updates.
For questions or further information, contact us at filmscreenings@bogazici.edu.tr
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Copyright & Fair Use Disclaimer: The film screenings at the IFMS Mithat Alam Hall on our university campus are conducted exclusively for educational purposes, with no commercial intent. This educational use complies with the “fair use” provisions established under national and international copyright laws and treaties. Both domestic and international laws governing copyright exceptions for education and research—including the Turkish Copyright Law (The Intellectual and Artistic Works Act 1951, No. 5846, Article 33), the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Article 10/2), the TRIPS Agreement (Article 13), the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT, Article 10), and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT, Article 16)—explicitly permit the screening of cinematic works within educational institutions, provided there is no financial gain involved. Our screenings are strictly for educational purposes and fully adhere to these legal frameworks. Admission is free of charge and open exclusively to students. However, external attendees may also join, provided they present a valid student ID card at the South Campus entrance. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in maintaining the educational integrity of these screenings.

Etkinlik Başlığı:

The Road Movie: Exploring the Character’s Journey

Etkinlik Türü:

Aylık Film Gösterim Programı

Yer:

Mithat Alam Hall, Güney Kampüs

Tarih ve Saat:

Çarşamba, Şubat 5, 2025 - 18:00