Dmitry Kalashnikov, 2017

As we ponder the future of self-driving vehicles, The Road Movie treats us to the spectacle of humans behind the wheel—courtesy of Russian dash cam footage. Director Dmitry Kalashnikov has curated 100 videos from thousands on YouTube in order to create a meditation on national character and the human condition. At times the dash cams capture unexpectedly surreal and beautiful moments as when a bemused couple find themselves driving through the middle of a forest fire. At other times, the cameras bear witness to human decision making under pressure and the oddities of daily life. Often on display is a kind of stoicism and acceptance of the absurd and unpredictable as Russian drivers spontaneously react to situations both comic and horrific.

67 min.
Russian (subtitled)