Iran’s Jafar Panahi wins top prize at Cannes
Iranian director Jafar Panahi's thriller "It Was Just An Accident" won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant achievement for the filmmaker, who has been barred from making films in Iran for 15 years. With this win, Panahi has now secured the top prize at all three major European film festivals, having previously won the Golden Bear at Berlin for "Taxi" in 2015 and the Golden Lion at Venice for "The Circle" in 2000.
During his acceptance speech, Panahi dedicated the award to the people of Iran, emphasizing the importance of freedom and urging unity against oppressive regulations, particularly referencing the strict Islamic dress code for women.
"It Was Just An Accident" tells the story of a garage owner who kidnaps a one-legged man resembling his former torturer, forcing him to confront his past. This film is only the second Iranian entry to win the Palme d'Or, following "Taste of Cherry" in 1997. Jury president Juliette Binoche praised Panahi's work, highlighting the transformative power of art.
Following the win, French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Panahi's win was "a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression".
This sparked a diplomatic row, with Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Tanhaei calling the comments "insulting remarks and unfounded allegations", state media reported.
During the meeting with the French envoy, Tanhaei called Barrot's comments "blatant interference" in the country's internal affairs.
He described the congratulatory message as "irresponsible and provocative", adding that France had "no moral authority at all" to comment on Iran, citing what he called France's failure to support Palestinians in Gaza.
He demanded an official explanation from the French government, and the envoy said he would relay the message to Paris.
Panahi has been in and out of prison in recent years for his outspoken criticism of the Iranian establishment.
