Iranian director Jafar Panahi attended the Cannes Film Festival in southern France for the premiere of his latest film, It Was Just An Accident. This marked his first international travel in 15 years following the lifting of a travel ban imposed in 2010. Despite newfound freedom, Panahi announced he would immediately return to Iran after the festival to begin work on his next project.
Panahi was previously banned from making films and traveling abroad for 20 years after being convicted of “propaganda against the system.” The recent revocation of this sentence now allows him to move freely again. Nevertheless, Panahi highlighted ongoing social and political restrictions in Iran, comparing the risks faced by filmmakers to everyday acts of defiance, such as women choosing not to wear the mandatory headscarf.
Jafar Panahi Returns to Cannes After 15 Years with Powerful Film and Unshaken DefiancePanahi Defies Rules, Finds Inspiration in Imprisonment, and Returns Emotionally to Cannes
Although allowed to make films again, Panahi insisted he continues to defy government rules, such as submitting scripts for approval. His new film explores themes related to torture and revenge, reflecting the struggles of individuals affected by political oppression. Panahi shared that imprisonment, while restrictive, also provided creative inspiration for his work.
Panahi’s return to Cannes was deeply emotional, both for him and his cast. It was his first physical presence at the festival since 2003. The screening offered a platform to reveal the difficult conditions under which he and other Iranian artists work, aiming to foster understanding among international audiences, especially those unfamiliar with the Middle East.
After Cannes, Panahi expressed his eagerness to return home and start thinking about his next film. Despite the challenges and restrictions he faces, his resilience and dedication to storytelling remain steadfast, promising more films that spotlight the realities of life under political oppression.