Overview

• The Palme d’Or winner from Cannes is Panahi’s first feature since his 2023 release from prison and centers on former prisoners confronting a man they believe tortured them.
• Panahi has long faced bans and incarceration in Iran, and the film was not expected to be put forward by Iran’s committee, echoing last year’s path for Mohammad Rasoulof’s film via Germany.
• At the Busan film festival, Panahi urged the Academy to decouple international submissions from government‑run committees that can block dissident filmmakers.
• Neon holds U.S. rights with theatrical openings set for Oct. 15 in New York and Oct. 17 in Los Angeles; Memento releases in France on Oct. 1, and mk2 Films handles international sales.
• Key Academy dates include the Dec. 16, 2025 shortlist, Jan. 22, 2026 nominations, and the March 15, 2026 ceremony.