Iran has summoned the French ambassador in Tehran following controversial remarks from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who spoke about Iranian director Jafar Panahi's recent Cannes Film Festival victory. Panahi won the esteemed Palme d'Or for his film "It Was Just an Accident," which reflects his experiences in prison, and Barrot described it as "a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression."
This statement led to diplomatic backlash, sparking comments from Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Tanhaei, who labeled Barrot’s remarks as "insulting" and "unfounded." He accused France of interference in Iran's internal matters, highlighting the lack of moral authority France holds due to its position on the Palestinian issue. Tanhaei demanded a formal explanation from the French government, while the ambassador promised to convey the message to Paris.
Panahi, a filmmaker known for his critical stance against the Iranian government, has faced imprisonment due to his activism. Despite a 20-year filmmaking ban and previous jail sentences, he managed to secretly create "It Was Just An Accident," portraying ordinary Iranians dealing with the aftermath of torture. In his acceptance speech at Cannes, he called for unity amongst Iranians, asserting their autonomy against external dictates regarding their lives. After this momentous occasion, Panahi affirmed his intentions to return to Iran and continue his filmmaking endeavors.
This statement led to diplomatic backlash, sparking comments from Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Tanhaei, who labeled Barrot’s remarks as "insulting" and "unfounded." He accused France of interference in Iran's internal matters, highlighting the lack of moral authority France holds due to its position on the Palestinian issue. Tanhaei demanded a formal explanation from the French government, while the ambassador promised to convey the message to Paris.
Panahi, a filmmaker known for his critical stance against the Iranian government, has faced imprisonment due to his activism. Despite a 20-year filmmaking ban and previous jail sentences, he managed to secretly create "It Was Just An Accident," portraying ordinary Iranians dealing with the aftermath of torture. In his acceptance speech at Cannes, he called for unity amongst Iranians, asserting their autonomy against external dictates regarding their lives. After this momentous occasion, Panahi affirmed his intentions to return to Iran and continue his filmmaking endeavors.
