After a whirlwind awards season that includes an Oscar nomination, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s thoughts are no longer with the international spotlight but with his loved ones back home in Iran. The director, known for films like “Crimson Gold” and “The Circle,” is facing a prison sentence of up to five years after serving out a public service notice. Despite this, Panahi intends to leave his tour and return to Iran, where he will serve his time. His family and friends are waiting, eager for him to reunite with them after being absent from home for an extended period.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-13/why-it-was-just-an-accident-director-jafar-panahi-will-go-to-prison-in-iran