Jafar Panahi, the renowned Iranian filmmaker, has faced years of imprisonment, travel bans, and restrictions on his craft, yet he continues to make films against all odds. His latest work, 'It Was Just an Accident,' was created clandestinely in Iran, inspired by stories from fellow prisoners and reflecting the country's political climate. Despite international acclaim and winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes, Panahi rejects the label of hero or political filmmaker, insisting his drive comes simply from a passion for cinema.

Panahi's resilience has made him a symbol of artistic freedom, especially as he navigates censorship and government scrutiny. He refuses to flee Iran, choosing instead to confront challenges head-on and support fellow filmmakers and political prisoners. His films, often made under extraordinary constraints, raise questions about violence, morality, and the realities of life under authoritarian rule, while Panahi remains committed to showing the truth without preaching.

With 'It Was Just an Accident' now opening in the United States, Panahi is able to travel with his film for the first time in nearly two decades. His journey highlights the power of creative persistence and the enduring importance of cinema as a form of resistance and reflection.