Iranian director Jafar Panahi has revealed his intention to return to Iran once the Oscar season concludes, despite the risk of arrest due to ongoing government crackdowns following nationwide anti-government demonstrations. Panahi, renowned for his Oscar-nominated film “It Was Just An Accident,” received a one-year prison sentence in absentia in December 2025 for alleged “propaganda activities” against Iran. His lawyer, Mostafa Nili, confirmed the sentence includes a two-year travel ban and restrictions on political and social affiliations. Panahi, along with 16 other prominent figures, expressed support for the Iranian protests against the Islamic Republic regime earlier this year.
Panahi’s film “It Was Just an Accident,” which was filmed clandestinely in Iran without official approval, has been recognized with two Oscar nominations for best international feature film and best original screenplay. The film, inspired by Panahi’s personal encounters during his imprisonments on anti-government charges, garnered critical acclaim, winning the Palme D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and multiple awards at the Gotham Awards.
Despite the risks associated with his work, Panahi does not consider himself a political filmmaker but rather a socially conscious one, as he explained in an interview with CBC News. Unfortunately, his co-writer Mehdi Mahmoudian and journalist Vida Rabbani were detained in Iran after supporting the protests. Panahi expressed concern over Mahmoudian’s arrest, emphasizing their shared past experiences in prison.
The situation in Iran remains dire, with reports indicating over 7,000 deaths and thousands more arrested in the aftermath of the protests. The Human Rights Activists News Agency documented the escalating casualties, highlighting the challenges faced by Iranian civilians amidst the political turmoil. The international community, including the Norwegian Nobel Committee, has condemned the human rights abuses and called for the immediate release of jailed activists like Narges Mohammadi.
The ongoing crackdown in Iran underscores the heightened tensions within the country and its impact on international relations, particularly concerning nuclear negotiations with the United States. As the death toll rises, concerns persist about the accuracy of government-reported figures and the need for transparent accountability in addressing the unrest.
