'Abbas Kiarostami has had extensive influence on world filmmaking over his 30-year career, particularly in Iran and developing countries. 10 on Ten,a self-contained masterclass on cinema, succinctly brings together his current ideas about how to shoot a film, using his feature Ten MIFF 2003 as the chief example.

'Of course, not everyone wants to follow the path of Iranian realism, as Kiarostami acknowledges. Contrasting his pared-down DV-camera style with the diametrically opposed Hollywood model, he ironically counsels those who seek 'success' to adopt the latter. But for those who choose the path less traveled, he has much clear, well-argued advice.

'The film is divided into short lessons called 'The Subject', 'The Director' and so forth. Even more rigorously-if that's possible- than in Ten, the camera simply frames Kiarostami at the wheel of his car as he drives over the hills around Tehran that served as locations for Taste of Cherry MIFF 1998.

'This brand of guerrilla filmmaking and anti-technique is both inspiring and liberating, and its champion is undeniably a model of success of a different kind. The power of American movies may, as he says, be greater and more problematic than its military might. 10 on Ten aims to present an alternative. 'Variety D/P/S Abbas Kiarostami WS MK2 TD Video/Col/2004/87mins Abbas Kiarostami was born in Tehran, Iran in 1940. Films include: Close-Up(1990), Through the Olive Trees (MIFF 1995), ABC Africa (MIFF 2001)