BIFF 2025 Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi shares unwavering creative spirit

Film director Jafar Panahi speaks during a press conference at Busan Cinema Center during the Busan International Film Festival in Busan, Thursday. Yonhap

BUSAN — Iranian director Jafar Panahi, whose film “It Was Just an Accident” won the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, spoke of his unwavering creative drive despite facing repression in his home country during the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

"I was banned from filmmaking by the government for 20 years. During that time, I stood in front of the camera myself and drew out ideas to make films. That process led to works like 'Taxi,'" Panahi said during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center on Thursday.

"Ultimately, what I want to say is no one can stop us making films. Filmmakers will always find a way and will surely be able to convey their ideas."

Panahi joined the 30th edition of BIFF to receive this year's Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award, which is given annually to an Asian filmmaker who has made a significant contribution to the development of the film industry and culture in Asia. His latest film “It Was Just an Accident” is also scheduled to be released on Oct. 1 in Korea.

Panahi picked his wife as the driving force behind his ability to continue making films.

"I can't do anything but make movies. If I can't make films, my wife might leave me. I have to make movies to keep our marriage going," he said with a smile.

The director added that he feels his best when making a film, but finds it most difficult when he's thinking about his next film.

Panahi also candidly shared the current situation for creators in Iran. "In Iran, if you want to make a film, you have to submit your script to the government department. They censor the script. If you don't want to follow these rules, you'll face many problems and I also have faced the same problems."

Regarding the struggles of the current film industry, he emphasized to young filmmakers that they must put in constant effort.

"I didn't have the same benefits or technology that young filmmakers have now. Many possibilities and tools are available now, so I think they can make films in very innovative ways. There is no excuse not to make films," he said.

He also noted that it's important for filmmakers to decide what kind of films to make, differentiating between films that cater to the audience's desires and those that make the audience come to them.

"There are two types of films. One type always follows the audience and what they want and tries to make something for them. I think about 95 percent of the global film industry tries to make that type of film," the filmmaker said.

"The other type is a film that the audience seeks out. In this type of film, the filmmaker presents the world from their perspective, sending a message like 'If you want to understand this, you must follow me.' I think both types should exist."