A clandestine documentary, “This is Not a Film” was shot on an iPhone in sections and smuggled into France via a bakery product to make it for a last minute acceptance to Cannes. "This is Not a Film" comes to DVD on February 26, 2013.
“This is Not a Film” follows the day-to-day life of director Jafar Panahi (Offside, The Circle), during the time he was sentenced to house arrest in his apartment in Tehran. During his appeal of his sentence of six years in prison and 20 years of no filmmaking, he shot footage of the discussions he had with his attorney on the phone and conversations with family. He reflects on his situation and on the aspects of filmmaking.
Reviews are in from some critics, that claim this is a must see film.
Not a conventional film, but a powerful and important statement. –Tom Charity, CNN.com
Truly and defiantly extraordinary in its own quiet way. –Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
This may not be a film, but it’s a moving statement of defiance and despair. –J.R. Jones, Chicago Reader
It’s a cry from the heart of an artist compelled to create, tell stories and respond to hostile, confounding realities. –Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
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