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May 6, 2024
Mohammad Rasoulof’s Film The Seed Of The Sacred Fig Secured World Sales Rights
Iranian authorities have banned actors and crew from Mohammed Rasoulof’s The Seed Of The Sacred Fig from leaving the country to attend the Cannes Film Festival, where the film is competing. By: K Dass.
Iran - Films Boutique has secured world
sales rights to Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed Of The Sacred Fig, which is
set to premiere in the Competition section at the Cannes Film Festival. This
latest feature by the Iranian auteur explores themes of mistrust, paranoia, and
family dynamics amidst nationwide political protests in Tehran. Here are some
key details about the film.
Plot
Summary: The story
centers around Iman, an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court in
Tehran. As political protests escalate, Iman grapples with mistrust and
paranoia. When his gun mysteriously disappears, he suspects his wife Najmeh and
daughters Rezvan and Sana. To maintain control, he imposes drastic measures at
home, leading to rising tensions. Social norms and family rules become
suspended as the situation unfolds.
Cast: The cast members, who were recently
banned by authorities from leaving Iran to attend Cannes, have not yet been
revealed.
Producers: The film is
produced by Germany’s Run Way Pictures and France’s Parallel45, in
co-production with Arte France Cinéma and with the support of Moin
Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein.
Films Boutique previously handled sales for Rasoulof’s
There Is No Evil, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale in 2020 and
was acquired by distributors worldwide.
Rasoulof’s Journey, The Seed Of The Sacred Fig
marks Rasoulof’s first time competing in the Cannes Film Festival’s main
Competition. His previous films, including Goodbye, Manuscripts Don’t Burn, and
A Man Of Integrity, have garnered critical acclaim for their exploration of
life under authoritarian rule. However, Rasoulof has faced persecution from
Iranian authorities due to the critical eye his films cast on societal
consequences.
Despite these challenges, Rasoulof’s dedication to
storytelling continues to resonate on the international stage. Mohammad
Rasoulof has faced significant challenges due to his filmmaking, particularly
in the context of Iran’s political and cultural landscape.
Censorship and Banning: Rasoulof’s films often tackle
sensitive subjects, including political dissent, social issues, and human
rights. As a result, Iranian authorities have frequently censored or outright
banned his works within the country.
His film Manuscripts Don’t Burn (2013), which
delves into political intrigue and censorship, faced difficulties in obtaining
screening permits in Iran. Despite this, it gained international acclaim.
Rasoulof’s critical eye toward societal consequences
has led to legal troubles. In 2010, he was arrested alongside fellow filmmaker
Jafar Panahi for “propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” Both were sentenced
to prison, but Rasoulof’s sentence was later reduced to a ban on filmmaking and
travel. Despite these restrictions, Rasoulof continued to create films, often
working discreetly and under challenging conditions.
Filmmakers like Rasoulof who challenge the status quo
face risks to their personal safety. Their work can draw the attention of
authorities, leading to surveillance, harassment, or worse.
Rasoulof’s commitment to storytelling and shedding
light on important issues has come at great personal risk. His dedication to
artistic expression remains unwavering.
While facing adversity at home, Rasoulof has found
support from the international film community. His films have been screened at
prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice.
Winning the Golden Bear at the Berlin International
Film Festival for There Is No Evil (2020) was a significant achievement,
despite the film being banned in Iran.
