A Simple Accident

The Iranian title alone, It Was Just an Accident, suggests that dire consequences will surely follow in the wake of an innocent incident. That writer/director Jafar Panahi included details of the brutal treatment he learned about from prisoners during his own detention in Iranian prisons means the film’s impact is as frightening as it is real. As Panahi said at his Cannes Film Festival press conference, “It’s the Islamic Republic of Iran that made this film.” He added that he listened to many stories of inhumane treatment. Once on the set shooting, Panahi ensured authenticity with other ex-prisoners on hand for corroboration.