June 3, 2024
The jury of the International Federation of Film Critics called it “a courageous story set in modern-day Iran that deals with the conflict between tradition and progress, depicted in a very powerful and imaginative way.” By: K Dass.
France - The Seed Of The Sacred Fig has made quite an impact. Australia’s Sharmill Films
recently acquired distribution rights to this Iranian film from Films Boutique.
The feature garnered two awards at Cannes: the jury special prize and the
Fipresci award from the International Federation of Film Critics.
The story revolves
around Iman, an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. As
nationwide political protests intensify, Iman grapples with mistrust and
paranoia. His gun mysteriously disappears, and he suspects the involvement of
his wife Najmeh and his daughters Rezvan and Sana. This tension-filled drama
explores themes of trust, family, and political turmoil.
The film features
talented actors, including Misagh Zare, Soheila Golestani, Mahsa Rostami, and
Seterah Maleki. The film was shot secretly due to fears of repercussions from
Iranian authorities. Director Mohammad Rasoulof fled the country after
receiving an eight-year prison sentence for his ongoing criticism of the
regime.
Sharmill Films plans
to release the film theatrically in Australia and New Zealand. While no
specific release date has been set yet, it will be submitted to key festivals
in these territories before its national release.