Jafar Panahi’s ‘It Was Just an Accident’ Surges in Global Box Office

Success in South Korea and Beyond

The film ‘It Was Just an Accident’ (그저 사고였을 뿐), directed by Jafar Panahi, premiered in South Korea on October 1, 2025, quickly surpassing 20,000 viewers. This initial success set the stage for a wider release, with the film attracting significant attention in France, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Box Office Performance in France

On its first day in France, ‘It Was Just an Accident’ drew in a remarkable 50,071 viewers, including previews, and ranked first among new releases across 300 screens. By the end of its first week, the film’s cumulative audience reached an impressive 221,743, securing the second position in the overall box office rankings. This performance was approximately ten times that of Jafar Panahi’s previous film, ‘No Bears’, and surpassed his highest-grossing film, ‘Taxi’.

Reception in Other Markets

In Belgium, the film attracted 12,597 viewers across 55 screens during its first week, ranking fifth in the overall box office. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, it recorded 4,391 viewers over the first weekend, achieving second place in the local box office.

Upcoming Releases and Awards Contention

As the film prepares for its release in North America this week, it is positioned as a significant contender in the Oscar race, representing France. ‘It Was Just an Accident’ has already garnered critical acclaim, being hailed as Jafar Panahi’s best work to date.

Acknowledgments and Awards

The film is not only a box office success but also boasts prestigious awards, including the Palme d’Or at The 78th Cannes Film Festival. It is also in contention for the Triple Crown, having won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. This combination of critical and commercial success marks a new chapter in Jafar Panahi’s filmmaking career and highlights the film’s revenge plot, centered around a character named Vahid who seeks retribution against the man who led him to despair.

For more information about ‘It Was Just an Accident’ and its upcoming North American release, check out our previous articles on Jafar Panahi and K-drama.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.