Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1960-07-11
- Born Place: Mianeh, Iran
Also Known As:
Джафар Панахи, 자파르 파나히, Jafaras Panahi, جعفر پناهی
Jafar Panahi
Jafar Panahi, born July 11, 1960, in Mianeh, Iran, is an internationally acclaimed Iranian film director, screenwriter, and editor, widely recognized as a key figure in the Iranian New Wave cinema movement. His films are known for their critical depictions of Iranian society, often exploring themes of social injustice, political oppression, and the experiences of marginalized individuals, particularly women and children.Panahi's career began with short films and as an assistant to renowned director Abbas Kiarostami. His debut feature, "The White Balloon" (1995), won the Caméra d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant international recognition for Iranian cinema. He went on to direct other highly regarded films such as "The Mirror" (1997), "The Circle" (2000), which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, "Crimson Gold" (2003), and "Offside" (2006).Despite his international success, Panahi's work has frequently put him at odds with the Iranian authorities. He has faced repeated arrests, imprisonments, and a long-standing ban from filmmaking and international travel due to his perceived critical stance against the government. Despite these restrictions, Panahi has continued to make films clandestinely, often employing innovative and self-reflexive methods to circumvent the ban. Notable examples include "This Is Not a Film" (2011), made during his house arrest and smuggled out of Iran on a USB drive, and "Taxi" (2015), which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.Most recently, Panahi's film "It Was Just an Accident" (2025) premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the prestigious Palme d'Or, the festival's highest honor. This win is particularly significant as it marks his triumphant return to an international festival after years of travel bans and imprisonment. Panahi was released from Tehran's Evin Prison in 2023 after going on a hunger strike, having been jailed for inquiring about another imprisoned filmmaker. His ongoing defiance and commitment to filmmaking despite severe censorship have solidified his status as a powerful voice for artistic freedom and human rights.
