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VIRAL EXCLUSIVE
Aug. 26, 2024
Mohammad Rasoulof to Head Busan Film Festival
Exiled Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof to head Busan Film Festival jury.
Germany - In a significant move for the
international film community, dissident Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has
been appointed as the president of the New Currents jury at the upcoming Busan
International Film Festival (BIFF). This announcement comes amidst a turbulent
period for Rasoulof, who fled Iran earlier this year due to escalating
pressures from the Iranian authorities.
Rasoulof is
renowned for his fearless and politically charged films that critique the
authoritarian regime in Iran. His latest work, The Seed of the Sacred Fig,
was shot in secret to avoid repercussions from the Iranian government. The film
premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the special jury prize and
the Fipresci award, and later received the audience award at the Sydney Film
Festival. Despite his critical acclaim, Rasoulof has faced severe consequences
for his outspoken stance, including an eight-year prison sentence and a
flogging.
The
appointment of Rasoulof as the head of the New Currents jury is a testament to
his resilience and dedication to the art of filmmaking. However, it remains
uncertain whether he will be able to attend the festival in person. Currently
residing in Germany, Rasoulof does not possess a passport and must rely on
travel documents provided by the city of Hamburg. The BIFF organisers are
working to manage these logistical challenges, but no definitive answers have
been provided yet.
The New
Currents Jury
The New
Currents section of BIFF is dedicated to showcasing the first or second films
by emerging Asian filmmakers. As the president of the jury, Rasoulof will be
joined by an esteemed panel of jurors, including Korean director Lee Myung Se,
Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu, Indian actress Kani Kusruti, and International
Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) festival director Vanya Kaludjercic. Together,
they will select two winning features, each of which will receive a prize of
$30,0002.
Rasoulof’s
relationship with the Busan International Film Festival is not new. His films
have been featured at BIFF multiple times, including Iron Island in
2005, Goodbye in 2011, A Man of Integrity in 2017, and the
Berlinale Golden Bear-winner There Is No Evil in 20202. His return to
BIFF as the head of the New Currents jury marks a significant moment in his
career and highlights the festival’s commitment to supporting filmmakers who
challenge the status quo.
The 29th
Busan International Film Festival is set to take place from October 2-11,
20242. As the festival approaches, the film community eagerly anticipates the
contributions of Rasoulof and his fellow jurors. Their selections will
undoubtedly shine a spotlight on the next generation of Asian filmmakers,
continuing BIFF’s tradition of fostering new talent and promoting diverse
voices in cinema.
Rasoulof’s
appointment is a powerful reminder of the impact that cinema can have in
challenging oppressive regimes and advocating for freedom of expression.
Despite the personal risks he faces, Rasoulof’s unwavering commitment to his
craft and his courage in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to
filmmakers and audiences worldwide.
