Modern YORK – Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, nominated for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards for his film “It Was Just an Accident,” was observed shopping for new sunglasses on Manhattan’s Chrystie Street this week, a little over a month before the ceremony. The director, who has spent the last two hundred days outside of Iran, was dressed in an emerald overcoat, flecked wool blazer, and jeans, and was seen chain-smoking as he browsed in Fabulous Fanny’s vintage eyewear store, according to a report in The New Yorker.
Panahi’s presence in New York comes as he prepares to attend the Oscars, but also as he faces a looming prison sentence upon his return to Iran. He was sentenced to a year in prison for “propaganda activities” against the Iranian regime late last year, a penalty that also includes a two-year ban on filmmaking and travel, as reported by Good Morning America. This is his third sentence for similar charges, reflecting a sustained crackdown on artistic expression within the country.
The sentencing stems from the subversive themes explored in “It Was Just an Accident,” which was filmed almost entirely in secret. The film centers on Vahid, a character grappling with trauma from imprisonment who kidnaps a man he believes was his torturer, seeking confirmation from other former prisoners before deciding his fate. The film’s clandestine production and challenging subject matter have drawn the ire of the Iranian state, particularly in the wake of widespread protests following a U.S. Air strike last June, during which thousands of protesters were reportedly massacred by state forces.
“Iranians are rejecting all the moral and ethical indoctrinations of the regime,” Panahi stated, as reported by El-Balad.com. “This includes subverting rules around the hijab, profanities, even mourning traditions. They are saying, We don’t want this government.” His film, and his very act of filmmaking, have become symbols of resistance against state censorship.
Panahi’s own history with the Iranian government is marked by repeated clashes with authorities. In 2010, he was arrested while filming without a permit, leading to a twenty-year ban on filmmaking and leaving the country. He recounted in The New Yorker how the arrest impacted his family, leading him to send his daughter abroad for her safety, a separation that lasted a decade. He described a moment during a court appearance when a judge questioned his daughter’s well-being with what Panahi perceived as a malicious tone, solidifying his decision to prioritize her safety by sending her away.
Despite the risks, Panahi has chosen to return to Iran after the Oscars to face his prison sentence. “If I’m not there, I’m not a whole, an entire human being for myself,” he told ABC News. He emphasized his deep connection to his family, colleagues, and fellow Iranian citizens, stating that his life and identity are inextricably linked to his homeland. He explained that refusing to return would be tantamount to accepting censorship and allowing the regime to dictate the terms of his artistic expression.
During his search for new sunglasses, Panahi recalled a childhood memory of his daughter’s desire for exotic pets, first a baby crocodile for a mini-pool, then an iguana that escaped at a café, causing a scene. The anecdote, shared with The New Yorker, offered a glimpse into his personal life amidst the weight of his political situation. He was unable to find a suitable replacement for his glasses at Fabulous Fanny’s, remarking that he would continue his search in Europe with his daughter.
