This Is Not a Film

This documentary, running 78 minutes, captures the struggles of Jafar Panahi, who faces a six-year prison sentence and a 20-year filmmaking ban in Iran. Shot secretly by his friend Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, the film reveals Panahi's daily existence under house arrest, making it a poignant exploration of censorship and artistic freedom.

The film's unconventional delivery method adds to its intrigue, as it was smuggled into France on a USB stick hidden inside a cake for submission to the Cannes Film Festival. This act of defiance highlights the lengths to which Panahi and his supporters go to ensure his voice is heard. The tagline, "If we could tell a film, then why make a film?" encapsulates the film's essence, challenging the boundaries of cinema and expression.