Gala

It Was Just an Accident

Yek tasadef sadeh

Jafar Panahi’s critically acclaimed and deserving Palme d’Or winner is a muscular thriller and an engaging morality tale for our times.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Screening at cinemas around the UK – find out more.

Credits

  • Director-screenwriter

    Jafar Panahi

  • With

    Vahid Mobasseri, Maryam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi

  • Iran-France-Luxembourg 2025. 102min

  • Certificate

    BBFC12A

  • Courtesy of

    MUBI

  • Language

    Persian

    With English subtitles

Introduction

A minor traffic accident reunites two men with a shared past. One is set on revenge, but then doubts set in. Panahi (Crimson Gold, 3 Faces, No Bears) opens his film as a languid and at times gently humorous road trip, with the actions of each participant keenly observed. However, it is also a critique of the enduring legacy of a regime on its people and the chilling consequences for those who oppose it.

Kristy Matheson

Content warning

Contains scenes of graphic violence or injury and torture.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Our programmers recommend...

Screen Talk: Jafar Panahi

The winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival will talk about a career that has seen him actively engage with art and politics.

Read more about Screen Talk: Jafar Panahi

Black Rabbit, White Rabbit

A suspicious film prop, mysterious acting audition, conspiratorial road incident and multiple rabbits are woven together in this bold and beguiling drama from Tajikistan.

Read more about Black Rabbit, White Rabbit

The Secret Agent

Kleber Mendonça Filho navigates Brazil’s painful past to paint a loving portrayal of a place and its people in this slow-burning and ridiculously entertaining political thriller.

Read more about The Secret Agent