Following Jafar Panahi's Cannes triumph, Iran expresses indignation over comments by French foreign minister that trigger controversy.
Iran Protests French Minister's "Insulting" Comments After Cannes Win
Iran Protests French Minister's "Insulting" Comments After Cannes Win
Diplomatic tensions rise as Iran summons French envoy over remarks concerning an award-winning Iranian director.
Iran summoned the French ambassador in Tehran to convey its strong objection to “insulting” remarks made by French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot regarding the achievement of Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi at the Cannes Film Festival. Panahi won the prestigious Palme d'Or for his film, "It Was Just an Accident," a politically charged drama inspired by his experiences in prison.
Barrot’s comments, describing Panahi's win as “a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression,” ignited a diplomatic spat. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Tanhaei branded the French minister's statements as "insulting remarks and unfounded allegations," asserting that they constituted “blatant interference” in Iran’s domestic matters, as reported by PressTV.
Tanhaei further criticized the congratulatory message, labeling it “irresponsible and provocative,” and questioned France's moral authority to comment on Iranian affairs, citing France's perceived inaction regarding the Palestinian situation in Gaza. He insisted on receiving an official explanation from the French government, which the envoy promised to relay to Paris.
Jafar Panahi has a history of confrontations with the Iranian establishment over his outspoken views. He served seven months of a six-year prison sentence before his release in February 2023, having previously faced similar charges in 2010 related to supporting anti-government protests. His creative endeavors are severely restricted, manifested in a 20-year ban from filmmaking and travel outside Iran.
Despite these challenges, Panahi managed to secretly produce "It Was Just An Accident," chronicling the stories of five ordinary Iranians confronting their tormentor from prison based on true experiences shared with fellow inmates. During his acceptance speech at Cannes, he called on his compatriots to unite against oppression, asserting, “No one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do.”
Chatting with reporters at his first international film festival appearance in 15 years, Panahi expressed his intention to return to Tehran soon after the festival to ponder his next creative project.
Barrot’s comments, describing Panahi's win as “a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression,” ignited a diplomatic spat. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Tanhaei branded the French minister's statements as "insulting remarks and unfounded allegations," asserting that they constituted “blatant interference” in Iran’s domestic matters, as reported by PressTV.
Tanhaei further criticized the congratulatory message, labeling it “irresponsible and provocative,” and questioned France's moral authority to comment on Iranian affairs, citing France's perceived inaction regarding the Palestinian situation in Gaza. He insisted on receiving an official explanation from the French government, which the envoy promised to relay to Paris.
Jafar Panahi has a history of confrontations with the Iranian establishment over his outspoken views. He served seven months of a six-year prison sentence before his release in February 2023, having previously faced similar charges in 2010 related to supporting anti-government protests. His creative endeavors are severely restricted, manifested in a 20-year ban from filmmaking and travel outside Iran.
Despite these challenges, Panahi managed to secretly produce "It Was Just An Accident," chronicling the stories of five ordinary Iranians confronting their tormentor from prison based on true experiences shared with fellow inmates. During his acceptance speech at Cannes, he called on his compatriots to unite against oppression, asserting, “No one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do.”
Chatting with reporters at his first international film festival appearance in 15 years, Panahi expressed his intention to return to Tehran soon after the festival to ponder his next creative project.
