As a film enthusiast and a follower of world cinema, I have had the privilege to witness the extraordinary journey of Mohammad Rasoulof, the brave and talented Iranian director. His latest masterpiece, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” is not only a testament to his unwavering commitment to storytelling but also a beacon of hope for those who dare to challenge authority.
Having lived through years of oppression in his home country and facing imprisonment, Rasoulof’s life experience has fueled the fire that burns within him, driving him to create powerful films that expose the injustices faced by his people. His films are more than just art; they are acts of defiance against tyranny and a call for freedom.
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” which has been banned in Iran but garnered international recognition, is a poignant narrative that explores political themes while weaving a captivating story of one man’s struggle with power, submission, and civil disobedience. It’s a thinking person’s thriller that masterfully showcases Rasoulof’s unique storytelling abilities.
I am thrilled to see Mohammad Rasoulof attend the 2025 Göteborg Film Festival with his latest film, and I eagerly anticipate its screening as the centerpiece of the festival’s Focus: Disobedience program. In these trying times, his work serves as a reminder that art has the power to challenge authority, shed light on injustice, and inspire us all to stand up for freedom and human rights.
In closing, I would like to share a little joke that Rasoulof might appreciate: They say art imitates life, but in Mohammad’s case, it seems life imitates his art! His films are so powerful, the Iranian government has probably banned them because they’re afraid their own actions will be exposed on the silver screen.
Renowned Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof is set to grace the 2025 Göteborg Film Festival with his latest production, the family drama and political thriller titled “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” This movie, submitted by Germany for the 2025 International Feature Film Oscar category, made it to the Oscar shortlist on December 17.
In a recent appraisal, EbMaster has placed the movie he penned and co-produced among the top five potential nominees for the International Feature Film category at the Oscars, scheduled for January 17th.
The film titled ‘The Sacred Fig’ has earned nominations for the Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards in the foreign-language category, and also won the National Board of Review’s best international film prize. Despite being banned in its native country, this powerful movie has gained international acclaim due to its moving storyline and examination of political issues.
The director, Rasoulof, currently residing in exile in Germany following an eight-year prison sentence and flogging by the Iranian regime during the making of ‘Sacred Fig’, continues to produce work that challenges his country’s oppressive government through thought-provoking narratives.
Rasoulof’s work consistently tackles the societal and political issues in Iran. Many of his movies delve into topics such as authority, subjugation, and the complexities of suppression and resistance movements.
Rasoulof’s films are known for their examination of social and political challenges within Iran. Frequently, they touch upon subjects like power, conformity, and the intricacies of oppressive systems and non-violent protests.
The Tale of the Holy Fig’s Seed” carries on its purpose, weaving a fictional narrative around Iman, a judge dedicated to the regime who works within Tehran’s Revolutionary Court. However, Iman’s life becomes tangled following the tragic demise of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who met her end in police custody after being apprehended for supposedly violating the dress code regulations.
Amini’s demise triggers countrywide demonstrations throughout Iran, and the movie integrates historical footage of these protests to depict the emotional and philosophical chaos that impacts Iman and his kin. As domestic and professional tensions escalate, a crucial turning point occurs when a gun goes missing, intensifying the film’s suspense as Iman’s suspicion and anxiety, even towards his own family, intensifies.
At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” remarkably graced by the presence of Rasoulof, was awarded a Special Jury Prize. This film garnered the most favorable critiques among all competitors, as indicated by one survey. EbMaster described it as “masterful” and a “thinking person’s thriller.”
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Making its debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival with Rasoulof present, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” was honored with a Special Jury Prize. It received the best reviews among all competing films, according to one poll. EbMaster deemed it as “masterful” and a “thinking person’s thriller.
Jafar Panahi’s past creations include critically acclaimed movies like “The White Meadows” (2009) and “A Man of Integrity” (2017), which have brought him international attention. Despite facing challenges and oppression in Iran, the director continues to create bold works that underscore the strength of art in defiance of authoritarian rule. At present, he is working on an animated film about the Iranian revolution.
Pia Lundberg, Artistic Director of the Göteborg Film Festival, expressed great pleasure in announcing Mohammad Rasoulof as the main guest at this year’s Focus: Disobedience. ‘Welcoming Mr. Rasoulof,’ she said, ‘is a privilege that underscores his unyielding commitment to filmmaking, even while he’s in exile. His work serves as a testament to the capacity of art to defy power structures and expose injustices. The films he’s created under challenging circumstances are not just artistic triumphs, but acts of resistance that embody courage and stand for freedom and human rights, motivating us all.’
The film titled ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ will be the main attraction in the ‘Focus: Disobedience’ segment of the upcoming festival on January 30. After the screening, there will be a question-and-answer session with the director, Rasoulof. Notably, Rasoulof is also recognized as the scriptwriter for ‘Seven Days’, another film shown at this year’s event, directed by Ali Samadi Ahadi.
On the 7th of March, Rasoulof’s film will debut in Swedish movie theaters, courtesy of Triart Film. The Göteborg Film Festival is scheduled from January 25th to February 2nd, 2025.
John Hopewell contributed to this article.
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2025-01-03 15:18