Cannes: Dissident Iranian director wins Palme d'Or at film festival
Dissident Iranian director Jafar Pahani - who has been arrested several times in Iran for his filmmaking - has won the prestigious Palme d'Or accolade at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
The 64-year-old, who was banned from filmmaking in Iran, premiered his political thriller It Was Just an Accident on 20 May.
The film was one of 22 competing for the top prize - and was up against well-known directors including Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, and Ari Aster.
Inspired by his own experiences in prison, the film tells the story of a released dissident who kidnaps a man who resembles someone who tortured him in prison. Soon, the protagonist questions whether more violence is the right approach to ensure justice.
The filmmaker, whose appearance at the festival was his first in 15 years due to a travel ban, used his acceptance speech to speak out against the regime.
He said: "Hoping that we will reach a day when no one will tell us what to wear or not wear, what to do or not do", in seeming reference to Iran's strict modesty rules for women.
The 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was in the custody of Iran's morality police for allegedly violating modesty laws, led to the country's largest civil unrest since the 1979 revolution.
The film, like the rest of his published works since 2010, was shot in secret.
The director told Reuters he vows to return to his home country after the festival - despite the risk of being prosecuted.
He said: "Win or not, I was going to go back either way. Don't be afraid of challenges."
Pahani has now won the top prizes at all three major European festivals - after winning the Golden Lion at Venice for The Circle in 2000, and Berlin's Golden Bear for Taxi in 2015.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
5 hours ago
- BBC News
Cal: Helen Mirren Troubles film remastered 40 years after release
When Bernard MacLaverty's Cal was adapted for screen in 1984, it received widespread praise and even earned Helen Mirren her first major award, and briefly made Belfast's Queen's Film Theatre one of the highest grossing cinemas in the UK. However, over the ensuing 40 years, the film had become lost, the only remaining version a poor quality 35mm that left the author "ashamed". Now, the film has been remastered, and was shown again in Belfast on Friday. Cal, which was adapted from the novel of the same name by Bernard MacLaverty, depicts a young Catholic man, Cal, in 1970s Northern Ireland. Cal is a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army, and is involved in the killing of a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. He later falls in love with the victim's widow, who is unaware of Cal's involvement in her late husband's death. Helen Mirren, who stars as the widow Marcella, won an award for Best Actress at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival. She was the first British performer to win the award in 12 film was also nominated for the Palme d'Or, as well as two the time, the Financial Times' Nigel Andrews wrote that "Cal is the most moving and convincing portrait of life in Northern Ireland the cinema has yet given us". Cal will be screened at the Queen's Film Theatre at 6.30pm on the 6th of June. Bernard MacLaverty, who wrote the original novel, as well as the screenplay for Cal, said it has been years since he has seen the film."The last time I saw it was in Glasgow University and I was so disappointed in [the condition of] it and ashamed of it that I said I would never talk about it in public again."It was in a bad state."Mr MacLaverty said it is "exciting" that the film has now been remastered, and expects the story to retain its appeal with modern audiences. "I think the storyline is one that is universal."It's a love story. One would hope that love hasn't exited from our lives."But he feels there is some risk to the film becoming available again."Maybe it will be badly written. It may date, and I'll be the one to blame."When Cal was first screened in 1984 at the Belfast Festival, it was successful enough to warrant a further run 42 consecutive sell-out showings. Such success meant that, during the initial two weeks of screenings, the QFT became the second-highest grossing cinema in the UK outside of London. Hugh-Olding Smee, Manager of Film Hub NI, said the idea to remaster 'Cal' originated when Queen's Film Theatre (QFT) was celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018. "Cal is a very important film to the QFT. It was really the first kind of Irish premiere that broke through, and it was very successful at the QFT when it came out."It's a very emotional film about a particular time in our history."Mr Smee said he believes the re-release of Cal is important for young filmmakers in Northern Ireland, and described the film as an "important cultural touchstone"."People have seen it the odd time down the years, but the lion's share of people haven't seen it since it came out", he said. However, Mr Smee had no doubt that the film will continue to appeal to today's audiences."MacLaverty has a gift for creating stories that are individual but universal at the same time. "It was an important story then, and it's an important story now."Mr Smee also noted the film's relevance in the context of various conflicts that continue to take place around the world, and said that art can be useful in helping people deal with traumatic situations. "Films are empathy machines. Empathy is how things get healed."
Reuters
5 hours ago
- Reuters
In pictures: Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha
[1/24] A Palestinian girl in traditional attire poses for a picture, on the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha on the Al-Aqsa compound, also known to Jews as the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Ammar Awad Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- The Guardian
From Ballerina to the return of Pulp: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead
BallerinaOut now Ana de Armas (Knives Out, Blonde) stars in this literal spin-off of John Wick, pirouetting through events set between films three and four, as ballerina-assassin Eve Macarro. Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves return in their respective franchise roles. Dangerous AnimalsOut now Following in the footsteps of the likes of Dead Calm and Wolf Creek, this horror movie pits a woman in a remote location against a serial killer intent on – in this instance – feeding her to sharks, in a genre movie that has the distinction of having just premiered at the Cannes film festival. Clown in a CornfieldOut now You can't keep a good clown down, or a bad clown either, for that matter. Capitalising on the cultural popularity of the demon clown (see also: IT and The Terrifier), this horror film fetures one called Frendo, and if you've read Adam Cesare's novel, you'll know already that with Frendos like this, who needs enemies. FrequenciesBarbican, London, to 31 August Dedicated to sound on the big screen, this cross-arts season includes cinema presentations of music videos by Chris Cunningham, the Daniels and Jarvis Cocker, celebrations of pirate radio, and relaxed screenings for neurodivergent folks curated by Lillian Crawford. Catherine Bray Waxahatchee8 to 11 June; tour starts GlasgowAlabama singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield, AKA Waxahatchee, brings last year's critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated Tigers Blood album to the UK. Fusing Americana, folk and indie, Crutchfield's intricate melodies are anchored by a voice perfect for making increasingly larger venues feel intimate. Michael Cragg A Visit to FriendsSnape Maltings, Aldeburgh, 13 & 14 June The world premiere of Colin Matthews' first opera opens this year's Aldeburgh festival. With a libretto by novelist William Boyd, based upon a short story by Anton Chekhov and a play by Boyd himself, it is 'an opera within an opera, with music strongly influenced by Scriabin'. Andrew Clements Brighten the Corners festivalVarious venues, Ipswich, 13 & 14 June The five-venue Brighten the Corners shines a light on some of the UK's more eclectic music-makers. Headlining Friday are south London post-punk oddballs Dry Cleaning, while on Saturday it's punk duo Bob Vylan. Gruff Rhys, WH Lung and Richard Dawson are also involved. MC Clark Tracey Jazz ChampionsVerdict, Brighton, 13 June The flame of the late UK piano and composing maestro Stan Tracey burns on in the work of his drummer-bandleader son Clark, whose groups have long cherished the same wit, quirkily boppish grooving and improv punch. This fine lineup includes longtime Tracey sax heavyweights Art Themen and Simon Allen. John Fordham Liverpool BiennialVarious venues, 7 June to 14 September Ghosts of Liverpool's history, as a port that prospered in the age of empire, are likely to haunt this huge free art festival. Any angry spirits that are lurking will surely be summoned by spooky video artist Elizabeth Price. Other participants include Fred Wilson, Linda Lamignan, Sheila Hicks, Alice Rekab and more. Yoshitomo NaraHayward Gallery, London, 10 June to 31 August If you have a fear of art galleries full of kids who all stare at you with giant uncanny eyes, this may be unsettling. On the other hand if you're a fan of cute pop culture from Japan it is for you – a giant retrospective of Nara's striking multimedia oeuvre. Edward Burra – Ithell ColquhounTate Britain, London, 13 June to 19 October Two highly individual British artists from the age of surrealism for the price of one. Colquhoun painted inner visions of sex and magic, in which rocks and flesh merge in submarine sensuality. Burra is more external and satirical in his raw, even cruel depictions of the 1930s, when fascism rose. Sea InsideSainsbury Centre, Norwich, 7 June to 26 October The oceans that cover our planet are almost as mysterious as when medieval bestiaries portrayed their inhabitants as literal 'monk fish'. This exhibition enters the enigmatic undersea world through the imaginations of today's artists including Laure Prouvost and Marcus Coates, exploring human interactions with saltwater from fishing to migration. Jonathan Jones Suzi RuffellTouring to 23 NovemberMother, partner, daughter, friend, genial standup comedian: 39-year-old Ruffell's new tour show The Juggle is themed around the impossibility of excelling in all the roles her current life requires. Expect a rallying cry against perfection delivered with Ruffell's trademark goofy warmth. Rachel Aroesti StorehouseDeptford Storehouse, London, to 20 September This intriguing-sounding immersive show from new theatre company Sage & Jester unfurls across a huge storehouse in Deptford. The audience is pulled into a world where humanity's stories have been stored since the dawn of the internet. Will the defenders of Truth or keepers of Order prevail? Miriam Gillinson Come Fall in LoveManchester Opera House, to 21 June Sparky new musical comedy based on one of the biggest films in Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. A young British woman, Simran, embarks on a final summer of travel and freedom ahead of her arranged marriage in India – and promptly falls for laid-back lad, Roger. Directed by Aditya Chopra. MG Viva CarnivalSheffield City Hall, 12 June; The Glasshouse, Gateshead, 13 June; touring to 24 JuneOne of Strictly's very best, Oti Mabuse, launches her own carnival-inspired show, drawing on festival revelry from around the world, from Brazilian samba to Argentine tango to New Orleans jazz, and even the muddy fields of Glastonbury. She's joined by another Strictly favourite, and tango champion, special guest star Flavia Cacace. Lyndsey Winship Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion The GoldiPlayer & BBC One, 8 June, 9pmThe first series of this classy, evocative and thoroughly entertaining 1980s-set drama followed some of the small-time crooks who somehow orchestrated the notorious Brink's-Mat robbery. This time, police are searching for the other half of the bullion. Hugh Bonneville returns as the detective in charge. Flight 149: Hostage of WarNow & Sky Documentaries, 11 June, 9pm When a British Airways flight stopped off in Kuwait in 1990, its passengers were taken hostage by Saddam Hussein. Did the government know the plane was landing in a newly established war zone? This documentary covers the gobsmacking evidence. BethChannel 4, 9 June, 10pm The confusing technicalities of this thriller – it's Channel 4's 'first digital original drama' so will be broadcast on YouTube as well as linear TV – need not detract from the compelling premise: Beth revolves around a shocking mystery connected to an interracial couple who birth a white child. Abbey Lee and Nicholas Pinnock star. Not Going OutiPlayer & BBC One, 13 June, 9pm Over the past two decades, Lee Mack's knockabout comedy has quietly become one of our longest-running sitcoms (it's still a long way from overtaking Last of the Summer Wine, mind you). For series 14, the timeline jumps forward to chronicle Lee (Mack) and his wife Lucy's struggle to deal with their empty nest. RA MindsEyeOut 10 June; PC, PS5, Xbox From a former director of Grand Theft Auto comes this action techno-thriller about a former soldier with an unwelcome chip in his brain. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it comes across like a futuristic GTA (or less-futuristic Cyberpunk 2077). Dune AwakeningOut 10 June; PC, PS5, Xbox Reckon you could survive Dune's arid, pitiless hellscape of a planet? No, me neither, but Dune Awakening is built to support thousands of players fighting over spice and trying not to get eaten by giant worms. Keza MacDonald Pulp – More Out now After a 24-year break between albums, one of Britain's best bands return. Produced by James Ford, More features all the sly lyrical wit you'd expect from Jarvis Cocker, but also a hefty dose of gleaming pop as on the mighty Got to Have Love. Turnstile – Never Enough Out now After augmenting their hardcore sound on 2021's Glow On via appearances from Blood Orange and production from Mike Elizondo, the Baltimore band continue to broaden their horizons on this follow-up. On the title track the quintet add ambient textures, while Seein' Stars revels in an 80s synthpop strut. Addison Rae – Addison Out nowA TikTok star turned actor and influencer, 24-year-old Rae's debut single, Obsessed, was critically panned. Now she's one of pop's most interesting practitioners, skipping between Ray of Light-esque mood pieces (Aquamarine), trip-hop soothers (Headphones On) and sultry slow jams such as Diet Pepsi. Little Simz – Lotus Out now Ahead of her role as curator of the Meltdown festival in London, starting Thursday, rapper and actor Little Simz unleashes Lotus, an album focused on transformation and growth. While the playful Young dabbles in scratchy indie, the fiery Flood feels like the album's beating heart, Simz prowling around a sinister hip-hop beat. MC World Book ClubPodcast The longrunning BBC World Service series returns this week with a rare interview with pioneering sci-fi author NK Jemisin. Focusing on her new novel, The City We Became, Jemisin describes writing a futuristic New York. Trainwreck: The Astroworld TragedyNetflix, 11 June Largely pieced together through survivor testimony and individual video recordings, this unsettling film recounts how rapper Travis Scott's 2021 Astroworld festival performance resulted in a mass panic and crowd crush that left 10 dead. Not Another SnowflakeSubstack Journalist Nicola Kelly's weekly Substack posts are an illuminating insight into Britain's changing and often worrying political relationship with immigration. Combining original reporting and news analysis, Kelly charts Keir Starmer's ongoing attempts to implement hardline policies. Ammar Kalia
