It Was Just an Accident Producer on Making Jafar Panahi's Oscar Entry

French producer Philippe Martin, whose Paris-based banner Les Films Pelleas last walked the Oscars trail in 2024 with Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall,” has landed at the center of the next international feature Oscar race with Jafar Panahi ’s “ It Was Just an Accident .”

The Persian-language film, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, was selected to represent France — a decision that sparked debate due to its Iranian setting and cast, despite being almost entirely financed and produced in France. Neon , which had previously handled “Anatomy of a Fall,” scooped North American rights to “It Was Just an Accident” at Cannes and is campaigning for the movie in multiple categories, including best picture, director and screenplay, alongside international feature film . Following its Ca