It Was Just An Accident
BFI LFF 2025 Gala: Following a group of Iranian political prisoners
In this Cannes Palme d’Or winner, a single small accident leads to an unlikely group of people coming together over a shared trauma and having to deliberate over a particular ethical decision. Heavily critical of the current Iranian regime, Jafar Pahani had to film this movie in secrecy, violating filming laws and a state-sanctioned ban on him working. Even for those who do not have a solid grasp on the historical context, the thriller still provides many breath-biting scenes and tender character moments. Where the film really shines is its dissection of morality and, specifically, the justification of revenge. Several of the main group advocate for, and therefore represent, different responses one might take to get back at someone who has wronged you, and the whole film leaves you wondering what they’re eventually going to decide to do. I know that a feature in a foreign language like Persian may be intimidating to some, but as Bong Joon-ho once said: “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
Drama/Crime/Thriller
Director: Jafar Panahi
Starring: Vahid Mobasseri, Maryam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi
Run time: 102 min
Release date: 05/12/2025
