Panahis

Jafar Panahi’s Powerful Win at Cannes Highlights Cinema’s Role in Global Solidarity Amidst Turmoil

by

CANNES, France — The 78th Cannes Film Festival concluded with a powerful statement on global awareness and artistic resilience as Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi received the prestigious Palme d’Or for his film “It Was Just an Accident,” a work deeply influenced by his own experiences in prison. The film features five characters grappling with a shared trauma, convinced they have identified the prosecutor responsible for torturous interrogations during their arrests. However, since their captor was obscured from view, uncertainty looms over their convictions, creating a poignant commentary on justice and recognition in a flawed system. … Read more

Cannes 2025: Jafar Panahi’s "It Was Just an Accident" Captures the Coveted Palme d’Or Amidst Festival Ups and Downs

by

CANNES, France — The 2025 Cannes Film Festival showcased a blend of emotions as filmmakers and audiences eagerly anticipated this year’s prestigious Palme d’Or winner. As the festival approached its climax, many speculated whether the coveted award would go to Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” or Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just An Accident.” Ultimately, it was Panahi’s film that captured the top honor. The Cannes Film Awards are regarded as an early indicator of the awards season, with recent history favoring films that perform well here. In fact, four of the last five Palme d’Or recipients … Read more

Jafar Panahi’s Powerful Return: Iranian Filmmaker Wins Cannes Palme d’Or After Years of Oppression

by

CANNES, France — Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi captured the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday for his gripping revenge thriller, “It Was Just an Accident.” This recognition comes after Panahi faced a travel ban in Iran for over 15 years, underscoring both his talent and the struggles he has endured as a dissident artist. The award was presented by actress Cate Blanchett, who lauded Panahi during a ceremony that captivated the audience. The filmmaker’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including a recent imprisonment in Iran that sparked a hunger strike … Read more

Jeremy Strong Compares Cannes Jury Experience to ‘Conclave’ as He Celebrates Palme d’Or Win for Jafar Panahi’s Bold Statement on Justice

by

CANNES, France — Actor Jeremy Strong shared his insights and experiences gathered over 11 days as a juror at the Cannes Film Festival, likening the selection process to the papal conclave depicted in the Oscar-nominated film, “Conclave.” Strong, serving on the jury alongside notable figures such as Juliette Binoche and Halle Berry, expressed a profound sense of inspiration gained from the films he viewed during the festival. The jury awarded the Palme d’Or to Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident,” a film centered on a group of former prisoners in Iran grappling with the … Read more