This Is Not a Film
In the case of irrepressible auteur Jafar Panahi, it'll take more than an arrest and 20-year filmmaking ban to silence the Iranian New Wave master. Released from prison but ordered not to direct, write screenplays, give interviews or leave the country, Panahi tests his luck with This Is Not a Film, showing himself unbroken by censorship.
(...) Panahi can call this assembly whatever he pleases (the end credits refer to it as "an effort by" him and ['co-director'] Mirtahmasb, with all other credits/thanks left blank), but Iranian authorities aren't likely to share his sense of humor. (...) If anything, it marks a courageous act of non-violent protest.
(...) This Is Not a Film promises to test our idea of what form a film can take. Required to play all the roles, Panahi is overcome by emotion and interrupts himself, asking, "If we could tell a film, then why make a film?"
Peter Debruge, Variety
Original title: In Film Nist
Habibti
Based on a short story by Oscar nominee Ari Folman (Waltz with Bashir), Habibti follows the story of Iman, a conservative woman who surprises her estranged daughter in London with an unexpected visit. She is shocked to find her living with her boyfriend, a black artist called Marlon. Mother and daughter are pitted against each other in a conflict that changes but strengthens their relationship and reveals the real secret that brought Imam to London. This compelling film features an all-star cast, including Hiam Abbass, Jimmy Akingbola and Yasmine Al-Massri.
Arab Film Festival Australia
Duration: 91 min (sis.alkukuvan)
Dialogue: Persian
Subtitles: English
Age limit: K7
