Overview

• Jafar Panahi won the Palme d'Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for his film 'It Was Just an Accident,' which was shot in secret and inspired by his experiences in prison.
• The film challenges Iran's censorship and modesty laws, featuring unveiled actresses and addressing themes of justice and political imprisonment.
• Panahi, previously banned from filmmaking and travel in Iran, used his acceptance speech to call for unity and freedom from oppressive restrictions.
• Iranian state media has largely ignored Panahi's victory, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised it as a stance against Iran's regime, fueling diplomatic tensions.
• Panahi plans to return to Iran despite the risks of prosecution, reaffirming his commitment to creative resistance and freedom of expression.