Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi was met with enthusiastic cheers as he returned to Tehran's international airport following his prestigious achievement at the Cannes Film Festival. Panahi won the coveted Palme d'Or just two days prior for his film "It Was Just Accident," a gripping revenge thriller. Notably, this victory makes him the second Iranian to secure the esteemed French award.
Panahi's return is especially significant as he has faced multiple imprisonments in Iran, primarily for advocating the release of fellow filmmakers who criticized government policies. This visit to Cannes marked his first in 15 years, and his absence had been largely due to a travel ban preventing him from attending the festival. Back home, he was spotted joyfully holding a bouquet of flowers and embracing friends, including fellow filmmaker Medhi Nadari, who shared the moment on social media and described it as "history-making."
Amid the celebrations, attendees reportedly shouted the slogan "woman, life, freedom," echoing protests that emerged across Iran after the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody last year. During his Cannes acceptance speech, Panahi emphasized the significance of freedom for Iran, urging Iranians to unite for their rights.
The film's recognition has stirred diplomatic tensions, especially after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot characterized the prize as “a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime’s oppression” in a post shared online. In response, Iran's state media reported that Tehran summoned a French diplomat to formally protest what they deemed "insulting and unfounded" remarks.
Fulfilling a vow made to the media in Cannes, Panahi remarked upon his return, "As soon as I finish my work here, I will go back," hinting at his aspirations for future projects. His film triumph not only showcases his resilience but also highlights pressing issues within the Iranian societal landscape.
