Archive · 18 Sep 2025
Jafar Panahi Advocates for Independent Film Submissions
Jafar Panahi, a well-known Iranian film director, wants to change how movies from other countries can compete for the Oscars.
Currently, each country picks a film to submit, but Panahi argues this gives too much power to governments.
He believes that this system prevents some independent films from being considered.
He wants the Academy to create a fairer system.
He is at Busan film festival, which will feature his new film, which is also set to release in October.
Jafar Panahi, at BIFF, is advocating for changes to the Academy Awards submission process.
He wants the Academy to separate the selection process from government control.
His film, "It Was Just An Accident", was selected by France to be submitted for the Oscars.
Iranian government would not submit Panahi’s film.
Similar issues have affected other independent filmmakers from Iran.
- Who
- Jafar Panahi and AMPAS
- What
- Panahi urges AMPAS to change film submission rules.
- When
- October (film release), one year prior (similar issue for another Iranian film).
- Where
- Busan International Film Festival
- Why
- To allow independent films to be submitted to the Academy Awards.
Independent Filmmakers
Government-Controlled Committees
Film Submission Process
Independent Filmmakers
The Academy's international film submissions should not be controlled by government bodies.
Government-Controlled Committees
Submissions are determined by the country's official committee, which is often government-aligned.
- Event
- Busan International Film Festival
- Honoree
- Jafar Panahi
- Film Discussed
- "It Was Just An Accident"
- Panahi's Plea
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to separate government from submissions
- North American Release Date
- October 15
