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Jafar Panahi, the Palme d’Or-winning Iranian director, is preparing for his first extended tour of U.S. arthouse cinemas. After years of travel limits and a last-minute visa rescue that brought him to the New York Film Festival, Panahi will visit multiple cities this November, screen his latest film, and shoot a new short to capture the journey.
Why this tour is historic for Panahi and global cinema
Panahi spent much of the last decade under strict constraints at home. Prison, interrogation, and house arrest shaped his recent work and public life. Now, freed to travel, he’s taking a rare opportunity to meet American audiences in person.
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This marks the director’s first multi-city U.S. tour in a career that spans four decades and a body of films often made under secrecy.
What he’ll be showing: the film and its honors
The centerpiece of the tour is the new feature, which follows a modest mechanic confronting a possible past tormentor. The film has drawn major festival attention and critical praise.
- Major awards: Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes and France’s official submission to the 98th Academy Awards.
- Recent recognition: Nominated at the Gotham Awards for Best International Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
- Accolades and tributes: Celebrated by leading filmmakers and festivals worldwide, including nods from Claire Denis and Martin Scorsese.
Tour name, purpose, and a film-in-progress
The run, billed as an accidental road through American cinemas, pairs screenings with conversations. Panahi will also shoot a short film documenting the trip, which is slated for release early next year.
Expect screenings, Q&A sessions, and a behind-the-scenes short.
Cities, dates and venues for Panahi’s U.S. appearances
Below is the published schedule of stops, with screening times and special events listed for each venue.
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Los Angeles — Laemmle Monica Film Center
Sunday, November 16 — After the 1:10 p.m. showing
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Seattle — SIFF Uptown
Thursday, November 20 — After the 6:45 p.m. screening
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San Francisco — Smith Rafael
Friday, November 21 — After the 7:00 p.m. show
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San Francisco — Roxie Theater
Saturday, November 22 — After the 6:20 p.m. screening
Sunday, November 23 — After the 3:15 p.m. screening
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Chicago — Music Box Theatre
Monday, November 24 — After the 7:00 p.m. show
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Boston — Coolidge Corner Theatre
Tuesday, November 25 — Q&A following the 7:00 p.m. screening; extended intro for the 7:30 p.m. show, including presentation of the Coolidge Impact Award to Jafar Panahi
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Westchester, NY — Jacob Burns Film Center
Saturday, November 29 — Q&A after the 1:00 p.m. screening
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New York City — Film Forum
Saturday, November 29 — Q&A after the 7:50 p.m. show
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New York City — Francesca Beale, Lincoln Center
Saturday, November 29 — Q&A after the 6:15 p.m. show
Sunday, November 30 — Q&A after the 6:15 p.m. show
What to expect at screenings and special events
Many venues will host post-screening conversations with Panahi. These sessions offer rare access to the director’s perspective on filmmaking under repression.
- Q&A appearances follow select showings.
- One Boston program includes a special award presentation recognizing Panahi’s impact.
- Tickets and local box office details vary by theater; check each venue’s site for updates.
Global reception and festival journey
After Cannes, the film has traveled widely — collecting prizes and festival honors across continents. It has screened in Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Americas.
Top-tier festivals and established directors have publicly praised the work, adding momentum to Panahi’s U.S. engagements.
