The Short History of the Long Road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b9Lgvp6laY

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16+ ‧ 2020 ‧ Adventure, Drama ‧ 1h 30min

A teenager has to confront the reality of life on the road after tragedy strikes.

Screened at the 2019 Flyover Film Festival.

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ABOUT

Teenager Nola grew up living out of a van with her charismatic father, Clint—two nomads against the world. When tragedy strikes, Nola must confront the reality of life on the road alone. She’ll need to take the wheel for the first time learning to own her grief, her past, and her new destination.

Connection to Kentucky: Executive producer Stu Pollard is a Louisville native.

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CREDITS

Director

Ani Simon-Kennedy

Writer

Ani Simon-Kennedy

Stars

Sabrina Carpenter, Steven Ogg, Christina Nuki

Companies

Bicephaly Pictures, Astute Films, Hua Wen Movie Group

DETAILS

Released

2020-06-16

Runtime

1h 30min

Rating

16+

Genres

Adventure, Drama

CONTEXT

Countries

USA

Languages

English

Awards

Awards, 3 wins & 3 nominations

Keywords

father daughter relationship,transient,living in a van,teenager,homelessness

CAST

View Full Credits

PHOTO GALLERY

RATINGS

6.5/10

60%

7.1/10

82%

CRITICS REVIEWS

“
RogerEbert.comMonica Castillo
“There are gentle surprises in the trip’s unexpected turns and setbacks, and thankfully, Simon-Kennedy knows where she’s going.”

“
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard Roeper
“With all the wonderful supporting performances, the true standout is Sabrina Carpenter, an actress-singer from TV’s “Girl Meets World,” who infuses Nola with such heart and such authenticity and such resolve.”

“
Movie NationRoger Moore
“As homeless road pictures go, this is more “Peanut Butter Falcon” than “Leave No Trace.” Dad’s not in the picture long, but there’s a “Captain Fantastic” element to the portrayal.”

“
VarietyTomris Laffly
“There is enough substance here to propel The Short History of the Long Road forward through its minor bends and speed-bumps. Most of all, it is Carpenter’s restrained performance and air of wisdom, permeating the screen with an astutely soulful quality that’s tough to turn away from.”

“
IndieWireKate Erbland
“It’s not that darkness isn’t a part of the film, but that The Short History of the Long Road approaches even the most tense interaction with a bent toward positivity in all people. It’s, in short, nice.”

“
San Francisco ChronicleG. Allen Johnson
“Even though the movie’s engine sputters at the end, it’s beautifully shot, the actors are fun to watch, and the story is decent in fits and starts.”

“
The Hollywood ReporterKeith Uhlich
“Like Reichardt's Wendy and Lucy or Granik's Leave No Trace, this low-key drama focuses on a regional American woman trying to sustain herself through rough economic and emotional times. It's derivative of both films, but, for a little while at least, not disagreeably so.”

AWARDS

“
Giffoni Film Festival2021
“2021 Nominee Gryphon Award for Generator +16, Ani Simon-Kennedy”

“
Tribeca Film Festival2019
“2019 Nominee Best Narrative Feature, Ani Simon-Kennedy
2019 Nominee Jury Award, Stu Pollard”

“
Santa Fe International Film Festival2019
“2019 Winner Jury Award, Ani Simon-Kennedy
2019 Winner Jury Award, Stu Pollard”

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ReFrame2021
“2021 Winner ReFrame Stamp”