After His Global Recognition… Iran Represses Art By Jailing Filmmaker Jafar Panahi

An Iranian Revolutionary Court has sentenced Jafar Panahi, winner of the 2025 Cannes Palme d’Or, to five years and one month in prison, ordered all his assets confiscated, and banned him from travel and social media for two years.

His lawyer said the verdict was issued in absentia without notifying him of the trial. Panahi learned of the case after his bank accounts were frozen last week.

Previously jailed and banned from filmmaking, Panahi continued working despite the restrictions. His film *It Was Just an Accident* explores torture, revenge and justice.

As the world celebrates his work, Iran continues to punish him amid broader repression of artists, free expression and political dissent.