This Is Not a Film

Jafar Panahi is an Iranian filmmaker who made international news roughly two years ago after being arrested for creating so-called anti-Iranian propaganda. This Is Not a Film documents a day in his life as he struggles with being under house arrest while awaiting news on the appeal of the verdict: six years in prison, and a 20-year ban on making films. This is one fascinating documentary; Panahi is verbose and lively, even while under so much pressure. Early in the documentary, a friend comes over and tries to tape him describing his latest script, but Panahi becomes so emotional at the thought of not being able to create his vision that he stops and leaves the room. His passion and dedication to the craft of filmmaking is apparent. Instances in which he describes his films and the way actors crafted their roles are heartbreaking.