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Iranian Filmmaker Barred from U.S. Amid Government Shutdown
3 Oct
Summary
- Iranian director Jafar Panahi unable to attend New York Film Festival
- Panahi's acclaimed film "It Was Just an Accident" won Palme d'Or at Cannes
- Visa issues caused by U.S. government shutdown prevented Panahi's travel
On October 3, 2025, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi was unable to attend the New York Film Festival due to visa issues stemming from the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Panahi's acclaimed film "It Was Just an Accident" had been scheduled to screen at the festival on October 2, and he was also set to participate in a talkback with renowned director Martin Scorsese on October 3.
However, Panahi's visa could not be processed in time, forcing him to miss both the screening and the conversation. "It Was Just an Accident" had recently won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, cementing Panahi's status as one of Iran's most celebrated directors. The film, which features a number of actresses not wearing hijabs, was made in secret in Iran, putting Panahi at great personal risk.
This is not the first time an Iranian filmmaker has faced difficulties traveling to the U.S. due to political tensions. In 2024, director Mohammad Rasoulof had to flee Iran with his cast and crew to avoid imprisonment after making the film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig." The New York Film Festival's cancellation of the Panahi event is a disappointing setback for the acclaimed director and his acclaimed work.
