Iranian Director Panahi Wins Cannes Palme d'Or After Travel Ban Lifted

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, long banned and imprisoned for his criticism of the Iranian regime, won the Palme d'Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for his film "It Was Just an Accident," a thriller inspired by his own experiences of imprisonment and depicting the oppression faced by Iranians. Panahi dedicated the award to the Iranian people, urging them to set aside differences and unite for their country's freedom, emphasizing that cinema must remain a space for free expression where no one dictates what people can or cannot do. His appearance at Cannes marked his first international festival attendance in 15 years following the lifting of his travel ban in 2023. The film and Panahi's victory received standing ovations and praise from Cannes jury president Juliette Binoche and others, recognizing the film's powerful critique of authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, Iran summoned the French temporary chargé d'affaires to protest remarks made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who praised Panahi as a symbol of resistance against the regime. Despite ongoing repression, Panahi continues to use his art to highlight social issues and advocate for freedom in Iran.