Watch This Is Not a Film

This Is Not a Film, released in 2011, is a documentary-style film directed by Iranian artist Jafar Panahi and Mojtaba Mirtahmasb. The film explores Panahi's life after he was placed under house arrest and banned from making movies by the Iranian government. Through the film, audiences get a glimpse into Panahi's life as he awaits his appeal trial from his home in Tehran. The government accuses him of spreading anti-government propaganda and he faces the possibility of a six-year jail sentence.

Panahi uses the film as a platform to express his frustration and anger over the Iranian government's actions towards him. He Sits in his apartment, with his windows covered and a few friends including the iguana, Igi, and Mrs. Gheirat, a neighbor, come and go throughout the day. Panahi tries to keep himself busy while he awaits the verdict on his appeal.

Panahi reflects on his career and the role of cinema and art in Iranian society. He watches footage of his own previous films and discusses the themes and messages that have caused offense to the government. His commentary provides insight into the artistic and political climate in Iran, which is often restrictive and limiting, particularly for filmmakers like himself.

Panahi also demonstrates his creativity, even in confinement. He takes on the role of director, guiding the camera to capture his ideas and to simulate short scenes from his latest script. He explains his thoughts about what he would like to include in his film and directs his co-star, the iguana, to perform actions similar to that of a human.

Throughout the film, the camera captures the sparse environment of Panahi's apartment, with lingering shots of books, posters, and the plain walls. The sound design brings to light the urban life of Tehran, including the barking dog, the call to prayer, and the conversation between neighbors coming from the background of the apartment's sound.

This Is Not a Film is more than just a reflection on the Iranian government’s censorship, it is a reflection on art and freedom of expression. It explores the role of the artist in society, the importance of storytelling and how Iran’s political and social situation affects that. It is a testament to Panahi’s resilience and persistence in producing films despite severe restrictions.

In conclusion, This Is Not a film has been widely regarded as a masterpiece of contemporary Iranian cinema, which successfully captures the spirit of a country where artists have constantly faced censorship and persecution. It is a deeply thought-provoking film that raises questions about the nature of artistic expression and the importance of the free exchange of ideas in society. Despite its serious themes, the movie is also playful, soul-stirring, and creative, making it an incredibly engaging film to watch.

This Is Not a Film is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 90.