We all saw this coming.
According to a report by Mansour Jahani, an independent international cinema journalist, Iranian director Jafar Panahi — this year’s Palme d'Or winner — has just been sentenced to one year in prison and given a two-year ban on leaving the country.
No word yet on where exactly Panahi currently is — was he sentenced while in Iran? Or is he overseas promoting his celebrated film?
Panahi’s sentencing comes just months after his film “It Was Just an Accident” took home Cannes’ top prize. The director had previously faced a travel ban, periods of detention, and was often forced to shoot films under tight restrictions in Iran. He has been traveling around the United States these last few months, promoting “It Was Just an Accident,” which has become a bonafide Oscar contender.
In his post-win speech at Cannes, Panahi emphasized unity and artistic freedom:
Let’s put all the problems, all the differences aside; the most important thing right now is our country and our country’s freedom… Cinema is a society. No one has the right to tell us what we should do or say
Unsurprisingly, Iranian state outlets have been subdued in their response to Panahi’s international recognition, offering minimal coverage of his win — a stark contrast to the outpouring of support online and among Iranian cinephiles. His Palme d’Or marked the first time an Iranian filmmaker claimed the top Cannes prize since Abbas Kiarostami’s “Taste of Cherry” back in 1997.
If Panahi’s earlier films were more subtle in their political messaging, often embedding critique within layered storytelling, “It Was Just an Accident” stands out as his most direct and unflinching condemnation of Iran’s government to date. Given the circumstances, making this film was an undeniably courageous act. In my review, I wondered what consequences Panahi might face upon returning home. We found out today.
This all comes amid propulsive Oscar buzz for 'It Was Just An Accident,' largely fueled by its elegiac reviews and the incredible response from cinephiles worldwide. It could potentially become the first Iranian film ever nominated for Best Picture, and in light of today’s sad news, its chances have just skyrocketed.