Khaberni - The Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA) reported on Monday that the renowned Iranian director Jafar Panahi, this year's recipient of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, has been sentenced in absentia to a year in prison.
A revolutionary court in Tehran also imposed a two-year travel ban on him, according to what ISNA reported from his lawyer. Panahi, 65, won the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival last May for his film "It's Just an Accident," which reflects his experiences in prison and encounters with state oppression.
The film was selected to be France’s submission for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Film category, and Panahi has previously won major awards at the Venice and Berlin film festivals.
His lawyer, Mostafa Nili, told ISNA that the director was also banned from joining any political or social groups, noting that steps would be taken to appeal the sentence.
Initially, Panahi's current whereabouts were unknown.
Panahi was previously imprisoned in Iran from July 2022 until February 2023, facing long-term constraints on his work and travel. His latest film, which was filmed secretly, draws from his period of detention and includes conversations with fellow detainees.
Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, the cinema and culture sectors have been under strict state supervision, requiring filmmakers to obtain official permissions for filming and displaying their work. Nevertheless, the Iranian artistic and cinematic scene has long been active in subtly, and sometimes openly, criticizing the regime.
