Neon is making a serious push for its sixth consecutive Palme d’Or. With “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent” already in the mix, the distributor has now added a third contender to its Cannes lineup: Jafar Panahi’s latest film, “It Was Just An Accident.”
The film follows Vahid (played by Vahid Mobasseri), who becomes convinced he recognizes a man—not by appearance, but by a sound: the groaning creak of a prosthetic limb. That sound sparks a chilling memory. Vahid believes he’s found Pegleg, an enforcer for the Iranian regime who once tortured him.
Panahi, previously sentenced to six years in prison in Iran, served two before being released in 2023 after a hunger strike. His return to Cannes marks a powerful comeback, greeted with emotion, warmth, and critical acclaim.
Neon has built a remarkable Palme d’Or streak, beginning with Parasite and continuing through “Titane,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” and last year’s “Anora.” With “It Was Just An Accident,” they’re aiming to keep that winning streak alive.