Iran has summoned the French ambassador to address what it deems "insulting" comments from French officials following the success of Iranian director Jafar Panahi at the Cannes Film Festival.
Iran Calls Out French Envoy Over Minister's Comments Following Cannes Win
Iran Calls Out French Envoy Over Minister's Comments Following Cannes Win
Iran expresses strong discontent with France over remarks made by French Foreign Minister regarding a filmmaker’s Cannes victory.
In a significant diplomatic incident, Iran's foreign ministry called for clarification from France after its foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot described Panahi’s win as "a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression." The Iranian filmmaker recently won the prestigious Palme d'Or for his film "It Was Just an Accident," which draws from his challenging experiences in prison.
In reaction to Barrot's statements, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Tanhaei, condemned the remarks as "blatant interference" in Iran's internal matters—an assertion he reiterated during a meeting with the French envoy. Tanhaei branded Barrot's message as "irresponsible and provocative" and criticized France for lacking the "moral authority" to comment on Iran, pointing to France's stance on the Palestinian situation in Gaza as evidence.
Panahi, a vocal critic of the Iranian regime, has faced significant legal challenges due to his activism — including a six-year sentence and a 20-year film-making ban. Nonetheless, he managed to produce "It Was Just an Accident" secretly, exploring the lives of Iranians affected by the country's oppressive measures. During his Cannes acceptance speech, he called for unity among Iranians, emphasizing personal freedom and resistance against imposed norms.
As Panahi prepares to return to Iran after his long-awaited appearance at the festival's ceremony, he remains a powerful voice for artistic and personal freedom, despite the risks involved. He expressed his hope for future film projects, highlighting the complexities of creating art in a repressive environment.
In reaction to Barrot's statements, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Tanhaei, condemned the remarks as "blatant interference" in Iran's internal matters—an assertion he reiterated during a meeting with the French envoy. Tanhaei branded Barrot's message as "irresponsible and provocative" and criticized France for lacking the "moral authority" to comment on Iran, pointing to France's stance on the Palestinian situation in Gaza as evidence.
Panahi, a vocal critic of the Iranian regime, has faced significant legal challenges due to his activism — including a six-year sentence and a 20-year film-making ban. Nonetheless, he managed to produce "It Was Just an Accident" secretly, exploring the lives of Iranians affected by the country's oppressive measures. During his Cannes acceptance speech, he called for unity among Iranians, emphasizing personal freedom and resistance against imposed norms.
As Panahi prepares to return to Iran after his long-awaited appearance at the festival's ceremony, he remains a powerful voice for artistic and personal freedom, despite the risks involved. He expressed his hope for future film projects, highlighting the complexities of creating art in a repressive environment.
