This non-fiction film follows a truck driver in Dubai named Sukhjhinder Singh, who explains how he misses his family in India, and talks about his grueling 24-hour schedule, which allows him only a couple of hours sleep in the cabin of his truck by the roadside. He has driven 1 million km without an accident, so for some respite from his work routine, Bridgestone arranged for him a surprise; to view the road from another perspective – 1km above the ground in a hot air balloon.
The online film was launched to announce the brand's health and safety roadshow for truck drivers "Eyes on the road".
Cultural / Context information for the jury
Over the last few decades, UAE has quickly become a major economic player, not just in the Middle East but the world. The trucking industry has played a big factor in driving the economy forward. The high speed freeways in UAE are known to be some of the most dangerous one's in the world, where the slightest of errors could have grave consequences. The safety of our roads essentially comes down to the well-being of drivers. None have it as tough as long-haul drivers who are on call 24/7. Their efforts are seldom appreciated. Their stories and sacrifices are truly worth celebrating. These are the heroes who silently move th nation.
Tell the jury anything relevant about the direction. Do not name the director.
The film had to be treated very delicately to not come across as a criticism of the system, but rather a celebration of the human spirit.
In a relatively short frame of time, the directors treatment managed to summarize the arduous nature of a truck driver's job while familiarizing audiences with a complete stranger, enough for them to care about the case and the cause.
The documentary style approach to the film goes a long way to give the film and the story the credibility it so deserves. The film set out to be an earnest story, the director's human approach to the cause truly helped us realize this vision.