‘It Was Just An Accident’ trailer: Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning return

MUBI has released the official trailer and artwork for It Was Just an Accident, the latest film from celebrated Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. The film, which won the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, marks Panahi’s first feature since his release from prison in Iran two years ago. It recently screened at the BFI London Film Festival to widespread acclaim.

Set in modern-day Iran, It Was Just an Accident follows a group of former political prisoners who believe they’ve found the guard who once tortured them. When one of them, an auto mechanic named Vahid, takes the man captive, the group is forced to confront a moral dilemma: should they seek revenge or allow the past to rest?

Panahi, who previously faced a 14-year ban from filmmaking, media appearances, and travel, told Variety that the film emerged from personal reflection. “When you spend eight hours a day blindfolded, seated in front of a wall, being interrogated by someone standing behind your back every day, you can’t stop wondering what kind of conversation you can have with this man,” he said.

The film stars Ebrahim Azizi, Vahid Mobasheri, Mariam Afshari, and Hadis Pakbaten.

With France submitting it as its official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, Panahi’s latest masterwork signals a creative resurgence and a defiant reclaimation of voice and freedom.