Iranian director Jafar Panahi on Sept. 17 gives his acceptance speech after winning the Busan Award for Asian Filmmaker of the Year at the opening ceremony of this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) at Busan Cinema Center in Busan's Haeundae-gu District. (BIFF)

By Xu Aiying

Iranian film director Jafar Panahi holds a unique place in cinematic history given his tumultuous life. He was sentenced to six years in prison in Iran for protesting censorship and banned for 20 years from leaving the country, making movies or contacting the media.

Over those two decades, he continued to make films starring himself to connect with the global film industry and had USB drives of his works smuggled abroad.

Panahi won the Golden Lion at the 2000 Venice Film Festival for "The Circle," the Golden Bear at the 2015 Berlin International Film Festival for "Taxi" and the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival for "It Was Just an Accident."

He is only the fourth director and the only living one to win the top prizes at the world's three major film festivals.

His unwavering determination to pursue creative work despite oppression and his exceptional results shone at this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) with his reception of the BIFF award for Asian Filmmaker of the Year.

At the opening ceremony on Sept. 17 at Busan Cinema Center in Busan's Haeundae-gu District, the director began his acceptance speech by saying, "For the past 30 years, Korea has ceaselessly struggled and fought for freedom, namely freedom of filmmaking."

"We must continue to fight for freedom of expression to make movies. This award is dedicated to all indie movie makers fighting on the front lines."

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi (second from left) on Sept. 18 answers questions at a news conference held at BIFF Hill of Busan Cinema Center in Busan's Haeundae-gu District. (Xu Aiying)

Panahi has a long relationship with the festival, attending the inaugural BIFF in 1995 with his first feature film "The White Balloon." This year marks his first attendance in 22 years.

At a news conference held at BIFF Hill of Busan Cinema Center in Busan's Haeundae-gu District, he said, "When I first came to BIFF, I was struck by how truly beautiful and vibrant the city was. I felt warm and welcomed."

"I also saw opportunities for close exchanges and communication between the audience and filmmakers."

Panahi also shared more good news that day. His film "It Was Just an Accident," which was screened at BIFF's Gala Presentation on Sept. 18 and 20, was confirmed for submission to the Academy Awards.

"In Iran, government approval is needed to submit a film to the Academy Awards. My work could enter because it was a joint production with France," the director said. "Indie filmmakers like me must unite and work together to prevent such problems."

"It Was Just an Accident" will make its global premiere on Oct. 1 in Korea.

xuaiy@korea.kr