Iranian director Jafar Panahi, a veteran of arthouse cinema and a symbol of artistic defiance, won the top prize at Cannes after facing imprisonment and a 20-year filmmaking ban due to his critiques of Iran’s government. His latest film, “It Was Just an Accident,” explores the moral dilemmas of revenge among former prisoners confronting a torturer, inspired by his own experiences in jail. Despite ongoing pressure from authorities, Panahi plans to return to Iran, reflecting his commitment to filmmaking amidst challenges.
