It Was Just An Accident - English subtitles

After accidentally hitting a dog on the road, Eghbal arrives at a garage for a damage assessment. Mechanic Vahid is shocked to recognize the man as his torturer from his time as a political prisoner. Bent on revenge, he immediately springs into action. He follows Eghbal home, kidnaps him, and stows him away in his van. The only problem now: he can’t be certain of the man’s true identity. Over the next 24 hours, he enlists the help of friends and acquaintances who had been detained at the same prison. Although Vahid is desperate for retribution, he’s wracked with doubt.

Director Jafar Panahi, previously banned from filmmaking and imprisoned for his political views, injects his intricate revenge thriller with affecting personal detail. Winner of this year’s Palme d’Or, It Was Just an Accident is a profound, brave rumination on the lasting effects of political trauma and the complex morality of recrimination.

Part of Filmporten.