Jafar Panahi is the author of important films appreciated by audiences all over the world. At the same time he is the first Iranian director who has openly criticised the socio-political situation in his country. His films have tackled issues such as discrimination against women, class inequality, police oppression and violence. Panahi's activities did not escape the attention of the regime, which accused him of spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran. As a result, he was banned from making films and placed under house arrest. As a gesture of solidarity, in 2012 the European Parliament awarded Panahi the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in recognition of his efforts to improve the situation in Iran. Panahi's work in the context of his political choices is presented by Bartosz Żurawiecki in the June issue of KINO magazine.

You can find out more about the other winners and the Sakharov Prize in the virtual exhibition prepared by the European Parliament.

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