Tom Brook

And there's no plan for executions or an execution or executions.

Shot in secret in Tehran, the film It Was Just an Accident is widely seen as a condemnation of authoritarianism.

It tells of former political prisoners involved in the abduction of a man they believe tortured them.

It comes from dissident Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi.

Over the years, his filmmaking has displeased the authorities.

He served time in prison for charges which they have termed as propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

He told me it was not an accident, was in a way honouring political prisoners he spent time with in jail.

The profile of It Was Just an Accident has been on the rise ever since it won the Palme d'Or.

In December, he was sentenced in the Sentir to another prison term.

Over the years, he has always managed to make films, whether under house arrest using a mobile phone or shooting in secret in Tehran as he did for his latest picture.

It was just an accident has brought him a lot of respect within the international film community.

Eric Cohn is a film producer and programmer who is a big fan of the Panahi movie.

The headlines from Iran in recent days have heightened interest in Panahy's film.

While he's been picking up awards and promoting his picture in the US, he's been mindful of developments in Iran.

While it was just an accident to face a strong competition from other non-US films vying for Oscars attention, it is favoured to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film next week.

If that happens, it will be recognition not just of Jeff O'Panahy's artistry, but also for his steadfast commitment to never give up, to make powerful cinema whatever the obstacles.

We choose to go to the moon.

We had so much riding on something we'd never done before.

So the rules are important today, especially in restaurants, but they don't always, I think, reflect how traditional food has worked safely for generations.

I thought, wow, what have I gotten myself into?