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Neon Secures North American Rights to Panahi's Cannes Film

5/23/2025

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Summary

Neon Acquires Panahi Film

Neon has acquired the North American rights to Jafar Panahi's poignant film, *It Was Just An Accident*, which debuted at Cannes. This marks a significant return for Panahi, who was released from an Iranian prison in February 2023. The film delves into the emotional turmoil following a car accident that impacts a man, his pregnant wife, and their daughter.

Summary

Neon Secures Thriller

Neon has secured the North American rights to Kleber Mendonça Filho’s gripping political thriller, The Secret Agent, which dazzled audiences at Cannes on May 18. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1977 Recife, Brazil, the film follows Wagner Moura's character, Marcelo, a tech expert evading capture during the lively carnival week. A theatrical release is slated for 2025.

History

Historical Context

Jafar Panahi's return to filmmaking follows years of political repression in Iran, where his films often faced censorship. His 2011 documentary, *This Is Not a Film*, was smuggled to Cannes while he was under house arrest. Panahi's struggles reflect a broader pattern of artistic suppression in Iran, echoing the experiences of other filmmakers who have faced persecution for their work.

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Neon Acquires Panahi Film

Neon has acquired the North American rights to Jafar Panahi's poignant film, *It Was Just An Accident*, which debuted at Cannes. This marks a significant return for Panahi, who was released from an Iranian prison in February 2023. The film delves into the emotional turmoil following a car accident that impacts a man, his pregnant wife, and their daughter.

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