The dissident of the Iranian director Jafar Panahi touched the sensitive fiber with «It Basn to Accident», one of his most political films, and his first film since he threw himself out of jail in Iran. The film, which marks its return in competition in Cannes, seven years after «Three Faces», was received with a foot ovation of almost eight minutes at its premiere on Tuesday.
After the roaring applause decreased, Panahi delivered an emotional speech in which he paid tribute to the filmmakers who are currently imprisoned in Iran, saying that he felt a guilt when he was released from the prison. «I turned around and I saw a very high wall. And behind this wall, all these other loved ones, all these people remained behind this wall,» he said. «So I wondered how I could be happy, how I could feel free, if they were still inside.»
He continued: «Today, I am here with you, I receive this joy, but I feel the same emotion. How can I rejoice? How can I be free while they are in Iran, there are still many of the best directors and actresses of Iranian cinema, who, because they participated and supported the protesters during the Femme Liberté movement, today they are preventing working?»
With dark glasses, Panahi’s voice trembled while talking. He was not alone in his emotion: «It was just an accident» left many audience members who also cleaned the tears.
Filmed in Iran without a permission, «it was only an accident» presents women who do not carry a hijab as a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive law of the country’s Hijab. «It was just an accident» is also his first film since his prohibition of traveling he got up after 14 years.
The film has been warmly received by critics in Cannes, with Variety Describe it as a «shocking thriller.» «Panahi cannot avoid making art, emerging on and ready to defend itself,» says the review. Speaking of the cast of the movie, the Variety Review said they are «gathered almost like diamond thieves in posting» reservoir dogs to point out with the finger and dispense justice. «
Panahi’s documentary 2021 «The Year of the Everlasting Storm» played in special projections in Cannes, but did not attend the festival. His 2018 film «Three Faces» won the best script. «It was just an accident» is well positioned to obtain a prize in Cannes, whose jury is chaired by politically committed actor Juliette Binoche.
Panahi, considered one of the best authors of Iranian cinema, previously won the «The Circle», «Offside» awards, «This is not a movie», «Taxi» and «No Bears», winner of the Special Award of the jury of the jury of the Venice Film Festival. «Taxi» won the Berlin Golden Bear in 2015, while his «offside» won the Silver Bear in 2006.
Arrested by the Iranian authorities in July 2022 after signing an appeal against police violence, Panahi spent several months after bars.
Panahi produced «it just a accident» with Les Films Pelléas, the producer behind «anatomy of a fall.» It is co -produced by Bidibul Productions and Pio & Co.
Panahi is one of the two main Iranian filmmakers who attend Cannes this year, along with Saeed Roustaee, who also presents his movie «Mother and Child» in competition.
(Tagstotranslate) Cannes Film Festival (T) was just an accident
