Jafar Panahi, an acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, has left an indelible mark on cinema despite facing significant challenges from the Iranian authorities. He is widely recognized as a key figure in the Iranian New Wave film movement. Born on July 11, 1960, in Mianeh, Iran, Panahi grew up in a working-class Azerbaijani family. His early life was marked by economic hardships which later influenced his humanistic cinematic style, often focusing on the lives of children, the impoverished, and women under societal constraints.Known for his bold and socially conscious storytelling, Panahi has defied censorship and pushed the boundaries of Iranian cinema. His films have garnered international acclaim, winning awards at major film festivals around the world.

In 2010, Panahi was arrested and charged with propaganda against the Iranian government, leading to a six-year prison sentence and a 20-year ban from filmmaking, which was later reduced to house arrest. He continued to create films despite these restrictions, such as "This Is Not a Film," which was smuggled out of Iran and showcased at Cannes.

Jafar Panahi was arrested during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement in Iran, alongside fellow filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof. Their arrests were part of a broader crackdown on dissent and opposition figures in Iran.. Panahi was arrested in July 2022 after going to Evin prison to inquire about Rasoulof's detention, who had been arrested the previous day. Both filmmakers have faced numerous legal challenges and restrictions in Iran due to their films and public stances against government policies.

Selected Filmography:

• "The White Balloon" (1995)
• "The Mirror" (1997)
• "The Circle" (2000)
• "Crimson Gold" (2003)
• "Offside" (2006)
• "This Is Not a Film" (2011)
• "Closed Curtain" (2013)
• "Taxi" (2015)