#jafar-panahi

#jafar-panahi

Back to selectionInternational titles dominated at last night's Gotham Awards, with films from Iran, France, the UK and Ireland, including one that was entirely Lagos-shot, winning seven of ten competitive categories. Jafar Panahi, who, it was revealed by his lawyer shortly before the event, has been sentenced in absentia to one year in prison and a two-year travel ban for engaging in "propaganda activities" against the state, was on hand to accept awards for Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.

I didn't expect this, actually, Anderson said on stage. I started to think I didn't know what was going on.

Winner of the top prize (Palme d'Or) at this year's 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Panahi's It Was Just an Accidentis a gripping thriller that follows a devoted son and mechanic named Vahid (devastatingly performed by Vahid Mobasseri) who suddenly believes that he may or may not have randomly reencountered the government intelligence officer who had brutally tortured him years prior. What ensues is an unstoppable (and borderline overwhelming) spiral that sends Vahid to consult numerous other victims, exploring the dangers of "unresolved devastation and the dangerous thirst for relentless revenge."

Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.