Mariam Afshari & Hadis Pakbaten (It Was Just an Accident, Criterion Collection, Jafar Panahi)

The CINEMA CENTRIC meet up for an episode with Mariam Afshari and Hadis Pakbaten to discuss It Was Just an Accident, now available in the Criterion Collection. Together, we explore the film's themes, the realities of filmmaking under censorship in Iran, and the personal risks artists face when telling difficult stories.Mariam shares her own experience after appearing in the film, including being dismissed from the karate federation and banned after refusing to apologize for her participation. Hadis also discusses the challenges of writing and producing underground theatre in Iran, and the obstacles artists face when creating work outside government approval. We also discuss the imprisonment of the film's director, Jafar Panahi, the ongoing struggles faced by women in Iran, and the courage required to continue creating art despite immense personal and political consequences.This conversation examines how cinema can become an act of resistance, and the very real price that artists sometimes pay for their work.Mariam Afshari:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/maryamraha.afshariHadis Pakbaten:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hadispakbatten--------------------------Episode music by: Song Title: Cerebral SD Artist: The Vase in Late Spring (⁠⁠⁠⁠The Vase in Late Spring⁠⁠⁠⁠ appears courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sad Data Records⁠⁠⁠⁠.) ℗ 2026 Sad Data Records