NEWS

The Davidson Film Club is pleased to invite you to a screening and discussion of the twice Oscar-nominated Iranian film “It Was Just An Accident,” on Saturday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

“’It Was Just an Accident’ offers humor that is black, drama that is deep, and an ending that is unforgettable.” Matt Brunson, Film Frenzy

Directed by Jafar Panahi

Iran (2025, 1h43)

In Persian w/English subtitles

“Such is the fate of art that critiques the theocratic regime in Iran. ‘It Was Just an Accident’ was made covertly, smuggled out to compete at Cannes, and is safeguarded by multiple copies held in secret around the country [. . .].”

Discussion of the film will be led by Iranian native Zinat Hassanpour, Associate Professor Emerita, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences.

Walk-ins are welcome, $9 (NC sales tax included) at the door, cash or check (no credit cards). Walk-ins must apply for a seat in advance at alsingerman@davidson.edu. Walk-in seats are limited by availability.

Refreshments (red and white wine, bottled water, and snacks) will be made available by the Film Club.

Film Summary:

While driving home to the countryside at night with his pregnant wife and young daughter, Eghbal runs over a dog. The car breaks down, and Eghbal stops in front of a garage. There, Vahid, a car mechanic, thinks he recognizes, from the sound of his prosthetic leg creaking, one of his former torturers from when he was detained by the Iranian authorities. He takes action. However, during his detention, Vahid was always interrogated blindfolded. Panicked, he rounds up a few of his fellow ex-prisoners to confirm the man’s identity.

Nominated for two Oscars (Best International Feature Film, Best Original Screenplay) and for a BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Winner of Palme d’Or at Cannes and nominated for Best Film and Best Original Screenplay at the César Awards. Multiple additional prizes for Best Film, Best International Feature, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. 41 wins and 135 nominations in all.

R.T. Tomatometer 98%, Audience Score 93%

R.T. Critics Consensus: “Perhaps the most bluntly political film by Jafar Panahi yet, ‘It Was Just an Accident’ is a defiant rebuke of authoritarianism that still delivers the entertainment value of a gripping thriller.”

“’It Was Just an Accident’ is stark and funny and dark…The performances so natural…The cinematography and editing are stunning. You’re not watching a film—you’re in the backseat of a van negotiating an argument with a bride and a madman.” Monita Roy Mohan, Stereo Geeks

“Panahi’s latest expression of rage is raw and powerful, filled with tense scenes and suspenseful moments.” Nandini Ramnath

“The film is a reflection on the fragility of memory, a meditation on justice, and a reminder that even when everything is forbidden, cinema can continue to be an act of resistance.” Gisela Savdie, El Heraldo

“’It Was Just an Accident’ is exciting, unusual, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny in moments of dark humor that lift it above straightforward, entirely serious dramas.” Tom Cassidy, Common Sense Media

“The magnificent ‘It Was Just an Accident’s’ willingness to ask questions about the very nature of justice and revenge comes from a place of great generosity and humanity – and no one would have blamed Jafar Panahi if he was lacking in either.” Wenlei Ma, The Nightly (AU)

“It’s intense but rewarding, full of constantly surprising turns, unexpected moments of grace, and a final 10 minutes that will leave you breathless as Panahi’s quietly potent point comes into clearer view.” Brett McCracken, The Gospel Coalition

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We are a non-profit, tax-exempt organization run by volunteers that only exists to bring you fine international fiction films and engage in stimulating discussion about them.

Hope that many of you will be at the September 5 screening of this absolutely remarkable work!

Alan
Alan Singerman
President, Davidson Film Club
alsingerman@davidson.edu
(704) 231-6736