Renowned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, whose latest work "It Was Just an Accident" claimed the prestigious Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, delivered a powerful message about artistic perseverance during his appearance at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The director emphasized his unwavering commitment to filmmaking despite facing significant government repression and censorship in his homeland.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Busan Cinema Center on Thursday, Panahi revealed the extraordinary lengths he has gone to continue his craft. "I was banned from filmmaking by the government for 20 years. During that time, I stood in front of the camera myself and drew out ideas to make films. That process led to works like 'Taxi,'" he explained to the gathered audience. His determination remained unshakeable as he declared, "Ultimately, what I want to say is no one can stop us making films. Filmmakers will always find a way and will surely be able to convey their ideas."
Panahi's visit to the 30th edition of BIFF was particularly significant, as he was there to receive this year's Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award. This prestigious honor is presented annually to an Asian filmmaker who has made substantial contributions to the development of the film industry and culture throughout Asia. The recognition comes at a time when his award-winning film "It Was Just an Accident" is scheduled for release in South Korea on October 1st.
In a lighter moment during the press conference, Panahi credited his wife as the primary driving force behind his continued filmmaking efforts. "I can't do anything but make movies. If I can't make films, my wife might leave me. I have to make movies to keep our marriage going," he said with a smile, drawing laughter from the audience. The director also shared insights into his creative process, noting that while he feels most fulfilled when actively making a film, he finds the period of conceptualizing his next project to be the most challenging phase.
Panahi provided a candid assessment of the current situation facing creators in Iran, painting a picture of extensive government oversight and censorship. "In Iran, if you want to make a film, you have to submit your script to the government department. They censor the script. If you don't want to follow these rules, you'll face many problems and I also have faced the same problems," he explained, highlighting the restrictive environment in which Iranian filmmakers must operate.
Addressing the broader challenges facing today's film industry, Panahi offered both encouragement and challenge to emerging filmmakers. He emphasized that despite not having access to the same benefits or technology that young filmmakers enjoy today, he managed to create meaningful cinema. "Many possibilities and tools are available now, so I think they can make films in very innovative ways. There is no excuse not to make films," he stated, urging the next generation to take advantage of their resources and put in consistent effort.
The veteran director also shared his philosophy about different approaches to filmmaking, distinguishing between audience-driven and filmmaker-driven cinema. "There are two types of films. One type always follows the audience and what they want and tries to make something for them. I think about 95 percent of the global film industry tries to make that type of film," Panahi observed. He went on to describe the alternative approach: "The other type is a film that the audience seeks out. In this type of film, the filmmaker presents the world from their perspective, sending a message like 'If you want to understand this, you must follow me.' I think both types should exist." This perspective reflects his own artistic journey and commitment to creating films that challenge audiences while maintaining his unique vision despite external pressures.
