Behind his signature dark glasses, Iranian director Jafar Panahi carries a powerful vision that he brings to life through his films. Despite government bans, constant surveillance, and the threat of restrictions that could have silenced him, Panahi never stopped doing what he loves most, and that is making films about his homeland. Even after serving time in prison in Iran, he returned to his art with one of his most powerful works, It Was Just an Accident. 

Inspired by his own experiences in prison, the film has crossed borders, gaining recognition across some of the film industry’s biggest platforms. But awards aside, it is Panahi’s storytelling that makes It Was Just an Accident worth watching now that it is streaming online.

After the premiere of It Was Just an Accident, directed by Jafar Panahi, at Cannes, Neon bought the North American rights. As of now, it is available to stream on Hulu. The Oscar-nominated movie is also available to buy or rent on Amazon and Apple TV.  

The bold and brilliant 1-hour 43-minute thriller begins with an auto mechanic meeting a man he believes was once his prison guard. Both the storytelling and the director’s determination to complete the film were praised by critics and the audience. Jafar Panahi, who traveled across the United States and other countries to promote the film, was also present at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received one of its biggest honors. 

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The film went on to win the festival’s highest prize at the Cannes Film Festival while also helping Neon set a new record.

Jafar Panahi’s first film, It Was Just an Accident, after being released from prison, won the highest honor at the Cannes Film Festival, Palme d'Or. This win was huge for Neon, too, which set a new record with its sixth consecutive win. Anora, Anatomy of a Fall, Triangle of Sadness, Titane, and Parasite are the previous movies that clenched the win.

The film also received a 10-minute standing ovation, witnessed by Jafar Panahi himself, who attended the Cannes Film Festival for the first time in nearly 20 years. Soon after, fans from around the world took to social media to celebrate the film’s win and Neon’s impressive Cannes streak. With such overwhelming acclaim and global buzz, it is no surprise that many viewers are now eager to stream the film and watch its powerful story for themselves.

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Have you watched It Was Just an Accident? Let us know in the comments.