Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi received a warm welcome upon returning to Tehran following his recent victory at the Cannes Film Festival, where he won the prestigious Palme d'Or for his film "It Was Just Accident." The director touched down at Tehran's international airport on Monday, just two days after receiving the award for his gripping revenge thriller that explores the harsh realities of torture within Iranian prisons.
This significant moment marks Panahi's first return to Cannes in 15 years, a period during which he had been unable to attend due to a travel ban imposed by Iranian authorities. The film, which boldly addresses human rights abuses, has sparked a heated exchange between French and Iranian officials after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted its importance as a statement of resistance against the Iranian regime.
As Panahi emerged from the airport, he was greeted with cheers and flowers from friends and supporters, including fellow director Medhi Nadari, who called the occasion "history-making." Among the crowd, chants of "woman, life, freedom" echoed, reflecting the ongoing protests in Iran that began following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody last year.
In his acceptance speech at Cannes, Panahi emphasized the significance of freedom in Iran, urging his compatriots to stand together against oppression. Following these developments, Iranian state media reported that the country's officials summoned a French diplomat to express their discontent with what they deemed "insulting remarks."
Panahi, who has faced imprisonment for his outspoken views against the government, remains determined to continue his work in filmmaking. Upon returning to Iran, he pledged to reflect on his next project, a testament to his commitment to storytelling and social commentary even amidst adversity.
