66th THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
31 OCTOBER → 9 NOVEMBER 2025
TRIBUTES / RETROSPECTIVES: Abbas Kiarostami

Iran-France 2004 83 35mm Colour
A lesson by Kiarostami on his art could well be a documentary. But again, it wouldn’t be what one would expect. The film consists of an 83-minute soliloquy in front of a camera mounted on his dashboard as he drives through the countryside. Using his film "Ten" as an example, he analyses his theory about cinema in 10 chapters, going from his preference in cameras and the shaping of characters to directing. He is addressing himself to us exclusively, in a very personal tone, as if he’s talking to himself. And that is the beauty of this film: Kiarostami, the camera, and a little free time.