After more than 15 years of absence due to a travel ban imposed by the Iranian government, acclaimed filmmaker Jafar Panahi attended the Cannes premiere of his new film, It Was Just an Accident, marking a powerful return to the global stage.
Panahi, who was banned from travel in 2009 and later imprisoned for his activism, continued making films clandestinely, with acclaimed works like This Is Not a Film and Taxi. His latest film, deeply personal and politically charged, draws from his time in prison and the stories of fellow detainees. The narrative follows a former prisoner seeking justice against a suspected torturer, blending themes of revenge, trauma, and resistance.
Speaking from Cannes, Panahi acknowledged the risks of returning to Iran, stating, “This is an ongoing risk. Now it will probably be higher.” Despite the danger, he remains committed to returning home, citing his inability to adapt to life elsewhere.
Panahi’s appearance at Cannes is both symbolic and significant, underscoring his defiance against state censorship and his dedication to filmmaking. With It Was Just an Accident competing for the Palme d’Or and acquired by Neon for North American distribution, Panahi reaffirms his global impact while continuing to confront repression through art.
Source: Swifteradio.com
