Overview
- A Tehran revolutionary court sentenced Jafar Panahi in absentia to one year in prison in December, with a two-year travel ban and a prohibition on joining political or social groups, and his lawyers have filed an appeal.
- The film was made without official permission and remains prohibited in Iran, enabled instead by international co-producers from France and Luxembourg.
- The drama begins theatrical rollout in European markets, including German cinemas, expanding its overseas release.
- International recognition continues with the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2025, multiple Gotham Awards, and selection as France’s submission for the Academy Award for best international film.
- The story follows former detainees confronting a man one believes to be his torturer, framing a tense debate over retribution versus mercy without revealing key turns.