Iranian director who fled country recently to attend Cannes screening
What's the story
Acclaimed Iranian director, Mohammad Rasoulof, has confirmed his attendance at the Cannes Film Festival screening of his competition movie, The Seed of the Sacred Fig set for Friday. The announcement comes after Rasoulof left Iran and relocated to an undisclosed location in Europe. He had to flee after his lawyer confirmed that Rasoulof had been sentenced to an eight-year prison term by Iranian authorities for "signing statements and making films and documentaries."
Recognition
Rasoulof's film has earned competition spot at Cannes
Shortly after the announcement of Rasoulof's prison sentence, his film The Seed of the Sacred Fig secured a competition spot at Cannes. The movie tells the story of an investigating judge in Tehran battling paranoia as political protests escalate across the country and his gun mysteriously disappears. This recognition comes amidst Rasoulof's ongoing conflict with Iran's hardline Islamic Republic government, which has repeatedly targeted him for challenging its authoritarian rule through his films and documentaries.
Departure & screening
His clandestine departure and Cannes screening
After receiving his prison sentence, Rasoulof clandestinely left Iran and arrived in Europe a few days ago. Despite pressure from Iranian authorities to withdraw The Seed of the Sacred Fig from Cannes, the film will be screened on May 24 with Rasoulof in attendance. It's noteworthy that none of Rasoulof's films have been screened in Iran as they have always been banned due to their challenging content against the regime.
Controversy
Rasoulof's history of conflict with Iranian authorities
Rasoulof has a history of challenging Iran's government, which led to his arrest in July 2022 for signing a petition titled Lay Down Your Arms. It urged security forces to exercise restraint during protests. He was temporarily released from jail due to ill health in February 2023 and was under house arrest since then. Despite pressure from Iranian authorities, including attempts to withdraw The Seed of the Sacred Fig from Cannes and harassment of the film's crew, Rasoulof remains defiant.
Achievements
Director shares a long-standing relationship with Cannes
Rasoulof, one of Iran's most prominent directors, has a long-standing relationship with the French film festival. His films Manuscripts Don't Burn (2013) and A Man of Integrity (2017) premiered here in 2013 and 2017, respectively, earning the Fipresci Prize and best film prize. However, last year he was unable to accept an invitation to serve on the Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury after being barred from leaving Iran. This year, Rasoulof will again mark his attendance.