Jafar Panahi in Cannes for first time in over 20 years

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who was barred from travelling by the government in Tehran for 15 years, appeared on the Cannes Film Festival's red carpet on Tuesday evening for the premiere of his competition entry “It Was Just An Accident”.

- MIRANDA MURRAY MICHAELA CABRERA

Panahi, who has been arrested several times for his filmmaking, was last at the festival in person in 2003, when “Crimson Gold” was screened in the Un Certain Regard category.

His wife and daughter, as well as several of his cast members, including main actor Vahid Mobasseri, also attended.

The 64-year-old director has not officially been under any sanctions for the past few years, and no court cases are currently pending, according to a spokesperson for the film.