Dissident Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi appeared at Cannes for the first time in 15 years with his new film “It Was Just An Accident,” focusing on political prisoners, despite facing a 20-year film ban and ongoing legal risks. Panahi, who spent nearly seven months in Evin prison, has continued to make films in secret, highlighting the resilience and humor of the Iranian people against a repressive regime. The festival also features another Iranian entry, “Mother and Child” by Saeed Roustaee, amidst a politically charged atmosphere marked by protests and notable figures like Julian Assange and Denzel Washington’s lifetime achievement award.
