It Was Just an Accident review: Jafar Panahi's new Cannes film rages against the Iranian state
One of the biggest stories at the Cannes Film Festival this year is the return of Iranian director Jafar Panahi. It's not simply that he has a new film. He's been making movies for the past three decades, ever since his 1995 debut The White Balloon won the Camera d'Or for Best First Film in Cannes. Since that time, he has fallen foul of the Iranian authorities for his work. Imprisoned twice, he is officially banned from making movies or even giving interviews. So for Panahi to arrive in Cannes with his new film, It Was Just an Accident, which is in competition, is something of a coup. Especially when you take a look at the film, a morality tale about vengeance that simmers with anger. It begins with a man (Ebrahim Azizi) driving his wife and daughter when they have an accident, killing an animal. This roadkill leads the man into the path of Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri), who works at a garage. Immediately Vahid is unsettled, believing he knows this man from the past. In his eyes, this is Eghbal the Peg Leg, also known as The Gimp, a one-legged state interrogator who was responsible for the brutal torture of Vahid and many others. He kidnaps Eghbal and takes him to the desert where he plans to bury him alive, despite the man's protests that he is not who Vahid thinks he is. Having second thoughts, Vahid decides to confirm his identity, tying him up inside a trunk in the back of his van. His enquiries lead him to Shiva (Maryam Afshari). She is a photographer on an assignment snapping a bride Golrokh (Hadis Pakbaten) and a groom (Majid Panahi, the director's nephew). All three have crossed paths with Eghbal in the past. A further figure is thrown into the mix, the hot-headed Hamid (Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr), who appears desperate to pull the trigger on this captive. 'We're at war,' he yells. 'If you don't kill, you'll be killed.' In a slightly convenient narrative twist, the group decide to drug Eghbal and put earplugs in his ears, so he can't identity them. We never see this and there's no real indication of how they managed that. But let's allow Panahi this one moment of artistic licence. As much as the film's writer-director stokes the tension, he's not afraid to punctuate the narrative with moments of humour. These include two security guards who witness a ruckus in Vahid's van, then happily accept a bribe, with one even producing a remote point-of-sale terminal to swipe Vahid's credit card (a piece of plastic that takes a serious hit throughout this story). The final act, however, is both surprising and hard to watch, as Eghbal – if indeed that's who it is – is confronted by his kidnappers. With the scene bathed in blood red, it'll leave you on the edge of your seat. Even more impressive are the performances. Only Azizi, who plays Eghbal, is a professional actor, but Panahi draws powerful turns from all of the cast, especially Afshari, who dominates the final scenes. A film that rages against the Iranian state, it's almost impossible to separate the creator from the creation here. Panahi's anger is laid out for all to see, as he takes a sledgehammer to the oppressive regimes he has encountered. There's even a reference to ISIS, and how they kill innocent people, reasoning that those who have committed no crime will go to Heaven. Whatever the case, if this wins Cannes' Palme d'Or, it would be no accident.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
'Possibility' of BTS concert in UAE: Fans hope to see boy band after military return
Across the globe, Korean culture is booming — from K-pop and K-dramas to K-food and skincare. In the UAE, too, the Hallyu wave is gaining momentum, with an increasingly passionate community embracing all things Korean. At the forefront of this global phenomenon is BTS — the group many credit with 'paving the way' for K-pop's mainstream success. With record-breaking albums, sold-out tours, and a fiercely devoted fanbase known as ARMY, BTS has become one of the most influential boy bands in the world. They even performed in the UAE back in 2016, marking one of their early global stops. Whether you love them or don't quite get the hype, BTS is impossible to ignore. In the UAE, the BTS ARMY is a vibrant and growing community. Fans regularly come together to celebrate the band, organise events, and share their love for the music and message BTS stands for. Inside UAE ARMY community One of the largest local fan clubs, Bangtan UAE, is run by Yan Hinolan, a long-time BTS fan originally from the Philippines. She started the group in 2015, and before the pandemic, had "at least a thousand" UAE-based fans registered in her database. Today, their Facebook page has over 58,000 followers, and their Instagram over 10,000. In May, the group organised a block screening of j-hope's solo concert, livestreamed by Vox Cinemas. Before the screening began, Yan hosted games, handed out freebies, and brought the crowd together with warmth and humour. The atmosphere was electric with camaraderie — fans hugged, laughed, and exchanged small gifts they'd prepared for fellow ARMY. One of the attendees was Amar Dass, an Indian expat and one of the few men in the theatre. He first discovered BTS after Jungkook's performance at the Fifa World Cup in Qatar and says he "found family in BTS ARMY." Another fan, Athina Doutis, a Greek expat who's lived in the UAE most of her life, echoed that sentiment. 'ARMY really feels like family, even though I've known them for a very short time,' she said. Even though the band is 'selling out enormous arenas even as solo artists,' she still holds out hope that BTS will return to perform in the UAE. Concert in UAE? She isn't the only fan with such optimism, 15-year-old Mehreen Arfaz "hopes that their comeback means that they would have a concert in the UAE". The teen says she'll have all their songs memorised if the band does make it here. Doutis says she would book her ticket with "zero hesitation" if a concert was announced here. "I don't care about the cost, date, or location, there would be no barriers or obstacles." Another fan who is a brand marketing executive in Dubai, Amrithashree Kumrouth, said, a concert in the UAE would "mean everything" to her. "My prayers would be answered," she said. Shaziya Ashraf, an influencer who goes by the alias 'thatanimemom' on social media, said she wouldn't be surprised if "tickets sell out in seconds" if BTS announce a tour stop in the UAE. But is it even possible? Speaking to Khaleej Times in a personal capacity, Yu Ri Park, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai, said that there is a "possibility that BTS will perform in the UAE in the future". She elaborated that the "UAE is rapidly emerging as a regional hub for Hallyu" and continued to say that the nation "is well positioned to host such a popular and attractive event as it has a world-class logistics and transportation infrastructure". Military return With the final five members returning from military service this month, fans across the globe are counting down the days, making plans, and preparing emotionally — and financially — for what's to come. This year's BTS Festa, held annually in June to mark the band's debut anniversary, feels particularly meaningful as it coincides with their reunion. 'I would probably be crying happy tears,' said Ashraf, who was introduced to the band through a K-drama featuring BTS member V. 'Funnily enough, I found them when I was going through a very hard time in my life, and in a way, they saved me with their songs. I think that's one thing that will also make me an ARMY for life. I owe them so much.' She added: 'I also feel like, being away for almost two years in the military, each of them would've evolved — and I'd want them to showcase that individually, for sure.' With the last of BTS's military enlistments wrapping up, fans in the UAE — like ARMY everywhere — are holding their breath. Whether it's through new music, global tours, or even a long-awaited concert in the UAE, one thing is certain: BTS's next chapter is about to begin, and ARMY will be there for every beat of it.
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Zawya
Museum of the Future announces new series of educational events and wellness workshops taking place this June
'Understanding Emotions Workshop' will take place on June 22, led by Veronica Larre, a Professional in Psychology, Education, and Product Design The session with Dr. Roy Casagranda titled: 'Who was Muhammad II Fatih?' will be the upcoming lecture as part of the 'Lessons from the Past at the Museum of the Future' series Dubai: The Museum of the Future announced a new series of events and interactive workshops for the month of June. Aimed at enhancing creative skills, championing wellness and offering interactive learning experiences across various fields, these programs are in line with the museum's ongoing commitment to nurturing innovation, unlocking creative potential as well as exploring pioneering ideas that shape the future. On 15 June, the museum will host the 'Becoming Visual Storytellers Workshop', a two-hour workshop from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This session offers a unique opportunity to explore the future of creative career paths. During the two-hour workshop, participants will be introduced to the principles and techniques of visual content creation, multimedia storytelling and narrative construction across different platforms in an interactive setting. Attendees will work in groups to craft their own visual stories using a variety of media formats, enabling them to express their ideas in innovative and impactful ways. This workshop is open to participants aged 13 and above, and will be led by entrepreneur Raya Bidshahri, Founder of School of Humanity. The second workshop titled 'Understanding Emotions Workshop' will take place on June 22 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It will focus on day-to-day well-being through guided meditation, breathing techniques, and self-compassion. This experience will be led by Veronica Larre, a specialist in Psychology, Education and Product Design. 'Lessons from the Past at the Museum of the Future' On June 26, renowned Historian and Researcher Dr. Roy Casagranda will present a compelling lecture titled 'Who was Muhammad II Fatih?', as part of the museum's ongoing 'Lessons from the Past at the Museum of the Future' series taking place throughout 2025. Dr. Casagranda will delve into pivotal moments in the history of civilisations, focusing on the life and legacy of Muhammad II Fatih, uncovering valuable insights and lessons that resonate with both the present and the future. Through its year-round programs and initiatives, the Museum of the Future aims to empower individuals by developing their personal and professional skills and equipping them with creative tools to build emotional resilience in a fast-changing world. These efforts reflect the museum's ongoing commitment to lifelong learning, blending creativity, technology and well-being. 'The Vivarium': Newest addition to the HEAL Institute's Observatory Throughout June, visitors can also explore 'The Vivarium', the newest addition to the HEAL Institute's Observatory. This living exhibit presents a model of ecological design, where genetically engineered species, plants, insects and microorganisms, coexist within a sealed habitat. Visitors can control temperature, humidity and lighting with a single touch, observing in real-time how the species adapt and evolve in a controlled setting.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
16 hours ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Charting a New Chapter: Myrna Ayad on the Landmark Book Showcasing Emirati Creatives
Myrna Ayayd's new book, + 971: 50 Emirati Creatives Shaping the UAE, is the first of its kind to profile the Emirati creative scene. Ahead of its September launch, she discusses dialling into the cultural pulse of the nation There were many moments that led to the conception of this project, but one of the most defining came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the chaos and fear, the creative community came together – we moved online, determined to continue our work and support of one another. It was heart- warming, endearing and hopeful. In that same spirit, the Ministry of Culture, then led by Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, launched the National Grants Programme to support creatives. Of all the pressing issues the country faced, it chose to prioritise the creative sector. I remember being deeply moved by this gesture, as were many others. The UAE – my home – was the first country to take this step. I've always believed in the creative community's power to document history. Their truth is one I seek out, one I believe in. So, when a government steps in to protect and elevate that truth, I can only bow in appreciation and respect. We are a young nation, but we have countless stories waiting to be told. That confluence – of our stories, our solidarity and our pride – became the foundation for this book. The idea began to take shape in 2020, when we were celebrating the UAE's 50th anniversary. That milestone was the initial inspiration behind featuring 50 creatives. But even then, I knew this would never be a one-off book. It was always meant to be the first in a series – an evolving chronicle of the UAE's cultural growth. As we started listing names, it became clear: this is a dynamic, expanding sector. The more we uncovered, the more certain I became that we were only scratching the surface. Finding the right publishing partner was key. I reached out to a few, and we chose Rizzoli – not just for its global reputation, but for its enthusiasm. That matters. I had already thought of the title: + 971: 50 Emirati Creatives Shaping the UAE. It's contemporary and cool, but more than that, it's symbolic – it's the UAE's international calling code, a metaphor for dialling into the creative pulse of the nation. I also spent time researching what defines a creative economy. After segmenting the sector, we compiled exhaustive lists. Even after two decades in the field, I was stunned by the breadth of talent here. I knew the community was large – but not this large. It was awe-inspiring. We formed informal advisory bodies for each creative discipline – groups of respected specialists who voted on who would be featured. One of the most challenging parts was establishing the selection criteria. I insisted on dialogue, so the process was collaborative, with lots of back and forth. Those conversations were deeply enriching. Then came the actual making of the book – commissioning texts, planning photoshoots, sourcing images, copyediting… At one point, it all existed as a massive, colour-coded Google doc that looked more like an eye chart than a manuscript. It was an honour to have Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum author the foreword. She is an unwavering supporter of the arts and a voice to be reckoned with. I am indebted to everyone who worked on +971 and extend my deepest respect to the 50 creatives featured. They reflect the heart of our nation and the rhythm of its cultural scene. I am equally grateful to the supporters who saw the book's potential from the very beginning: the Meem Foundation, Cartier and Dubai Holding – joined by our generous patrons Abdelmonem Alserkal, Olivier de Mestelan, Salma Shaheem, Barbara Farahnick-Mathonet and all those who wish to remain anonymous. Their belief and support made this vision possible. The book will be released globally in September, and I'm genuinely thrilled – and ready for more. The UAE is my home. I've witnessed its extraordinary growth over the past 40 years, and I know this is only the beginning.
