Washington D.C. [US], July 22: Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been named the recipient of the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the upcoming 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). This recognition follows his recent achievement of the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for his film “It Was Just an Accident.”
Panahi’s film, “It Was Just an Accident,” directly inspired by his time in prison, is described as a blend of absurdist humor and rage. It follows five characters who believe they have identified their former torturer from detention, though their blindfolded experiences in jail leave them uncertain if it’s indeed the same man.
What makes Panahi’s continuous achievements particularly remarkable is his persistent defiance of severe restrictions imposed by Iranian authorities. The 65-year-old filmmaker has been banned from making movies, faced multiple arrests, detentions, and travel prohibitions. Despite these immense challenges, he has continued to craft films in secret and successfully submit them to international festivals, earning him a reputation as a symbol of artistic resistance.
Upon receiving the honor, Panahi stated, “This recognition reminds me that cinema can still connect us beyond borders, languages, and limitations. I accept this award not only in my own name, but also on behalf of all those who, in silence, in exile, or under pressure, continue to create.”
His filmography consistently explores themes of individual freedom and resistance, often highlighting marginalized voices within Iranian society. Considered one of Iranian cinema’s greatest auteurs, Panahi has an impressive list of accolades, including prizes for “The Circle,” “Offside,” “This is Not a Film,” “Taxi” (which won the Berlin Golden Bear in 2015), and “No Bears” (winner of the Venice Film Festival’s 2022 Special Jury Prize). He also won Locarno’s Golden Leopard for “The Mirror” in 1997 and Cannes’ screenplay prize for “3 Faces” in 2018. He is the first Asian director to win the top prize at all three leading European film festivals (Cannes, Venice, Berlin).
Panahi was most recently arrested by Iranian authorities in July 2022 after signing an appeal against police violence and spent several months behind bars before being released in February 2023.
The Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Filmmaker of the Year honor recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the advancement of Asian cinema and culture. Panahi is slated to receive the award at the festival’s opening ceremony on September 17. The 30th edition of BIFF will run from September 17 to 26, with the Asian Contents and Film Market taking place from September 20 to 23.