One of the highest ranked films of the year amongst critics and cinephiles, IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT is the Palme d’Or winning cinematic masterpiece by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. This thrilling tale of justice, revenge and life in Iran is one of this year’s finest and most important films widely predicted to earn multiple Academy Award nominations.
Vahid, an unassuming mechanic, has a chance encounter with Eghbal, a man he strongly suspects to be his former sadistic jailhouse captor. Panicked, Vahid gathers several former prisoners, all abused by that same captor, to try and confirm Eghbal’s identity. As the bickering group drives around Tehran with the captive, they must confront how far to take matters into their own hands with their presumed tormentor. From master filmmaker Jafar Panahi comes a searing moral thriller that engages with complex ideas about the uncertainty of the truth and the choice between revenge and mercy, as Panahi turns his personal dissonance into a profound and galvanizing work of art.
IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT is not just a great piece of Iranian cinema but is a world class cinematic achievement and the pinnacle of Jafar Panahi’s career – one defined by obstacles and hardships, with him being a master of world cinema against the odds. IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT will release in Australian cinemas from January 29, 2026.
Sydney Arts Guide has 10 in season double passes to give away to see this film. Email [email protected] with IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT PROMOTION in the subject heading, and your postal address in the body of your email. Winners will be advised by email.
