Cannes Film Festival Golden Palm Award 'It Was Just an Accident' Director Jafar Panahi's Visit to Korea Confirmed!

This year, the master director Jafar Panahi, who won the Golden Palm Award at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, is set to have the world premiere of his new film 〈It Was Just an Accident〉 on October 1 (Wednesday). It has been officially invited to the 'Gala Presentation' section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival. Additionally, Jafar Panahi has been selected for the 'Asian Filmmaker of the Year' award, further drawing attention to his visit to Korea. 〈It Was Just an Accident〉 is a revenge drama that begins when 'Vahid', who returned to an ordinary life, discovers the man who led him to hell by some sound.

〈It Was Just an Accident〉 is the new work of the world-renowned master director Jafar Panahi, who represented Iran. It was invited to the competition section of this year's Cannes Film Festival and received unanimous praise and acclaim after its premiere, winning the top prize, the Golden Palm Award. With this award, Jafar Panahi has achieved the 'Triple Crown' record of winning the top awards at the three major film festivals in the world, following the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival (2000) and the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival (2015). He is the fourth among directors worldwide and the only record holder among currently active directors.

At the press conference for the 30th Busan International Film Festival held today, 〈It Was Just an Accident〉 was introduced as an official selection for the 'Gala Presentation'. This section features new works by master directors or globally recognized films where the director or actors introduce the film directly and meet with the audience. Furthermore, the Busan International Film Festival added significance by selecting Jafar Panahi as the 'Asian Filmmaker of the Year'. Jafar Panahi expressed his thoughts on being selected as the 'Asian Filmmaker of the Year', stating, "In this time when making films in Iran is becoming increasingly difficult every day, this award reminds me that film still has the power to transcend borders, languages, and any limitations. I believe this award is not received as an individual but on behalf of all those who continue to create in silence, in exile, or under pressure."

Director Jafar Panahi, who confirmed his visit to Busan after 22 years, is expected to attend the opening ceremony at the Busan Cinema Center on September 17 to receive the 'Asian Filmmaker of the Year' award. The 30th Busan International Film Festival will be held from September 17 (Wednesday) to September 26 (Friday) at the Busan Cinema Center and around Haeundae.