Renowned Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, celebrated for his bold social critiques and unwavering resistance to government censorship, reaffirmed his dedication to cinema despite facing tremendous political pressure. Speaking at a press conference during the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), where he received the prestigious Asian Filmmaker of the Year award, Panahi delivered a defiant message about the unstoppable nature of artistic expression.

"No one can ever stop filmmaking. Filmmakers, including myself, will always find a way," the acclaimed director declared on Thursday. His words carried particular weight given his long history of confronting Iranian authorities and enduring severe restrictions on his work. Panahi emphasized that even in the most hopeless circumstances, his voice as an artist cannot be silenced.

The director shared intimate details about the most challenging periods of his career, including the extraordinary lengths he went to continue making films in secret. He recalled turning the camera on himself during particularly difficult times and his innovative approach to directing "Taxi" entirely from the driver's seat of a cab. This unconventional film went on to win him the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 2015, proving that creativity can flourish even under the most restrictive conditions.

"The first and most important step as a filmmaker is to truly understand himself and to know what he wants to say and how he wants to say it," Panahi explained, offering insight into his artistic philosophy. His commitment to this principle has remained unwavering despite facing a filmmaking ban and imprisonment for allegedly creating propaganda against the Iranian regime.

Panahi's recent achievements have solidified his position among cinema's greatest auteurs. In May, he accomplished a rare and monumental feat by joining the exclusive ranks of legendary directors who have captured the highest honors at all three of the world's major film festivals. His journey to this triple crown began with winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 2000 for "The Circle," continued with the Golden Bear at Berlin in 2015 for "Taxi," and culminated this year with the Palme d'Or at Cannes for "It Was Just an Accident."

The filmmaker's ongoing struggles with political repression have been well-documented and deeply personal. In February 2023, he was released on bail after spending seven months in prison for protesting the detention of fellow filmmakers. These experiences have only strengthened his resolve to continue creating meaningful cinema that challenges authority and speaks truth to power.

During the press conference, Panahi shared his special relationship with BIFF, a festival he has attended frequently despite state restrictions limiting his travel. He fondly remembered being a guest at the inaugural festival in 1996, where his first feature film, "The White Balloon," was screened. Describing the city of Busan as "very beautiful and vibrant," he expressed how "very warm and welcomed" he has always felt there.

The director also paid tribute to the late Kim Ji-seok, BIFF's former deputy executive director and a pivotal figure in the festival's history. "When I was banned from leaving Iran, Kim Ji-seok came to visit me," Panahi recalled with evident emotion. "He liked my films." This personal connection underscores the important role international film festivals play in supporting artists facing political persecution.

Panahi is scheduled to present his Palme d'Or-winning film "It Was Just an Accident" in the gala section of the festival. The film holds particular significance as his first work since his release from prison and represents France's official submission for the Academy Awards' international feature category. "It could be submitted to the Academy because it was co-produced with France," he explained, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in overcoming political barriers.

The filmmaker called for greater collaboration among filmmakers facing similar challenges, emphasizing how working together can help overcome the obstacles imposed by authoritarian regimes. His own experience with the French co-production serves as a model for how international partnerships can provide platforms for suppressed voices in cinema.

Looking ahead, "It Was Just an Accident" is set for its world's first theatrical release in South Korea on October 1st, marking another milestone in Panahi's ongoing journey to share his vision with global audiences despite the restrictions he faces at home. His presence at BIFF and the international recognition of his work continue to demonstrate that artistic expression, no matter how suppressed, will always find a way to reach those who need to hear its message.