Acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Asian Filmmaker of the Year’ award by the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) for his profound impact on Asian cinema and culture. The award recognises individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the development of the Asian film industry.
Panahi, known for celebrated works like The White Balloon, Offside, The Circle, and 3 Faces, is a towering figure in world cinema. Despite facing years of government censorship, imprisonment, and a filmmaking ban in Iran, he has continued to produce powerful films—often in secrecy and under difficult circumstances.
In a statement, BIFF praised Panahi for his unwavering commitment to artistic freedom:
“As a towering figure in Iranian cinema, the director has explored the existence and freedom of individuals living amid censorship and political repression… he has continued to create films in secret, courageously submitting them to international film festivals despite repeated arrests, custody, detention, travel bans, and a state-imposed filmmaking ban.”
Panahi responded with a message of hope and solidarity:
“At a time when making films in my country becomes more difficult every day, this recognition reminds me that cinema can still connect us beyond borders, languages, and limitations. I not only accept this award in my own name, but also on behalf of all those who, in silence, in exile, or under pressure, continue to create.”
Panahi’s resilience and artistry have earned him numerous accolades over the years. His film “It Was Just an Accident” won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in May 2025. He previously won the Golden Lion at Venice for The Circle (2000), the Golden Bear at Berlin for Taxi (2015), the Golden Leopard at Locarno for The Mirror (1997), and the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes for 3 Faces (2018).
Panahi will receive the award during BIFF’s opening ceremony on September 17, with the festival running through September 26.
