So, how do I assess a film which isn't a film?
Jafar Panahi's documentary is just a home movie of a day in his life as he awaits jail.
Panahi, you see, is an Iranian film-maker of significant reputation, who is facing six years behind bars and a 20-year ban from making movies by a government which also prevents him from leaving the country.
Apparently, this film, made in his home while he was under house arrest, was smuggled out of Iran inside a birthday cake and was shown at Cannes last year.
In itself, I have to say it is largely dull. Panahi's phone conversation with his lawyer is enlightening as are other communications with the outside world.
But for the most part his life is mundane.
Indeed, he tries to break the boredom by acting out the script of a screenplay which will never be used.
This, he and his conspirator, Mojtaba Mirtahmasb believe that Panahi acting does not contravene an order which says he can't direct or film.
But can he really resist getting behind the lens? You can imagine.
The importance of This Is Not A Film far outweighs its need for quality.
Hot on the heels of Mohammad Rasoulof's Goodbye, it is a statement to the Iranian authorities that film-makers demand their voice to be heard.
And for that reason, despite it being one of the least exciting movies of the year, it must be seen.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 6/10
This Is Not A Film is part of the upcoming Edinburgh's Middle Eastern Film Festival. Thanks to James McKenzie for the screener.
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