Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof’s latest feature, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, was met with a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival that lasted nearly 15 minutes. This was a poignant moment for the filmmaker who had fled his home country through a difficult and anguishing journey across Europe to a safe house in Germany. Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison and physical punishments by Iranian authorities for his controversial work.
Rasoulof appealed his sentence and planned his escape from Iran, which took him 28 days on the road. Known for his politically charged films challenging authoritarian rule, Rasoulof has been a target of Iran’s government throughout his career. Neon recently acquired North American rights to The Seed of the Sacred Fig, which explores themes of mistrust and paranoia in the face of political unrest.
The film follows Iman, an investigating judge in Tehran, as he suspects his wife and daughters of involvement in mysterious disappearances and imposes drastic measures at home. Social norms and family rules begin to unravel as tensions rise. Rasoulof produced the film with an international team and received support from various organizations.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig is produced by Run Way Pictures in Germany and PARALLEL45 in France. The film’s worldwide sales rights are managed by Films Boutique, with a French distribution set for release in the fall. Rasoulof’s bold filmmaking continues to challenge conventions and spark discussion.
