How an Editor Secretly Cut It Was Just an Accident in Iran Without the Internet
In an era where global collaboration relies on the internet, one editor achieved the impossible: secretly editing the acclaimed Iranian film It Was Just an Accident entirely offline. Working under Iran’s oppressive internet censorship, this unnamed professional (identity hidden for safety) completed the film through sheer ingenuity—proving creativity can’t be silenced.
The Challenge: Editing in a Digital Black Hole
Iran’s strict internet laws block tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and even email, making remote collaboration nearly impossible. For It Was Just an Accident—directed by Behrouz Shoaybi—the editor faced a unique hurdle: refining the film without uploading or downloading footage online.
Their solution? A return to analog tactics.
The Secret Workflow: Sneakernet & Stealth Exchanges
The editor deployed a sneakernet approach—physically moving data via encrypted hard drives, smuggled by couriers to a neutral country. Working in isolation, they used offline editing software, avoiding any digital footprint.
Communication was equally clandestine: coded messages and face-to-face meetings in undisclosed locations. “Every hard drive handoff was planned like a spy mission,” revealed an anonymous insider.
Why Risk It? A Film Too Dangerous for the Cloud
The film critiques Iran’s justice system, making it politically volatile. Uploading raw footage could have triggered censorship—or worse. By staying offline, the team ensured the film’s survival.
“Sometimes, the old ways are the safest,” the source noted—a lesson for filmmakers in restrictive regimes.
The Result: A Critically Acclaimed Triumph
Against all odds, the film premiered to rave reviews, its editing praised as seamless. Few knew the truth: it was crafted without real-time director feedback, a testament to the editor’s skill.
A Wake-Up Call for Global Cinema
It Was Just an Accident isn’t just a film—it’s a rebellion. In a cloud-dependent industry, it proves creativity thrives even under suppression. As the movie gains acclaim, its editor’s silent defiance echoes a universal truth: stories will always find a way.
