Iranian director Jafar Panahi speaks out against regime after Palme d’Or win

Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who has repeatedly been imprisoned and banned from film-making in his home country, spoke out against the restrictions of the regime after winning the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Panahi picked up the prestigious Palme d’Or for It Was Just an Accident, described by BBC Culture as “a furious but funny revenge thriller that takes aim at oppressive regimes”.

He was cheered as he urged fellow Iranians to “set aside” differences and problems.

“What’s most important now is our country and the freedom of our country,” he said. “Let us join forces. No-one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do.”

Panahi added: “And the cinema is a society. Nobody is entitled to tell us what we should do or refrain from doing.

“And let’s continue to hope. I wish to thank you all, I thank the festival of Cannes and everyone who’s present here this evening.”

Panahi’s last spell in prison, from which he was freed in 2023, was for protesting against the detention of two fellow film-makers who had been critical of the authorities.

His trip to Cannes was his first appearance at an international festival in 15 years, after being subject to a long travel ban.

He was presented with the Palme d’Or by the Cannes jury president, French actress Juliette Binoche, and Australian actress Cate Blanchett.

Introducing the award, Binoche said art was “provocative” and mobilises “a force that transforms darkness into forgiveness, hope and new life”.

“That is why we have chosen for the Palme d’Or It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi.”