A filmmaker’s​ journey: From Iran to Europe

A daring⁢ escape and a new‍ beginning

In May,⁤ dissident Iranian ⁢filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof⁢ made a bold escape to Europe after facing a harsh sentence⁣ from Iranian ‍authorities for his latest‌ film, The Seed ⁣of the Sacred Fig. This powerful drama, which won the Special Jury⁣ Prize at Cannes, delves into ​the life of an investigating judge in ⁤Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, grappling with mistrust ⁤and paranoia amidst​ escalating anti-government protests and personal turmoil. Rasoulof is now ⁣set​ to present his film at the Locarno Film ‍Festival, screening it⁤ in ‍the grand 8,000-seat Piazza Grande.

Adjusting to life in Europe

A filmmaker’s reflections

Rasoulof‍ recently shared his thoughts on adjusting to life in‌ Europe, particularly in ⁤Germany. For many‍ years, his focus ​was on living in Iran, telling stories ‍that ⁢were​ deeply ⁢rooted ‍in ‌the heart of his ⁢homeland. Despite facing bans on his ⁢work, travel⁢ restrictions, ​interrogations, and even​ imprisonment, he remained committed to his craft.‌ Prison provided a period of reflection, and upon his release, he knew another⁤ sentence ​was imminent. Before the verdict, ​he began filming‌ The Seed ⁢of the Sacred Fig. Midway through production, the final decision came: an eight-year⁣ prison sentence. Faced⁢ with a‌ choice between‌ continuing​ his filmmaking‍ journey or returning to prison, Rasoulof chose the former, finding strength in his decision to leave ‍Iran.

Now, in Europe,‍ he feels like he’s on a long business​ trip with⁣ unfinished ⁤tasks demanding his⁢ attention. Surrounded by good ‌friends and great ‍hopes,​ he is motivated to put in‌ more effort.

The Seed of the Sacred ‌Fig: ⁢A cinematic triumph

Minor⁤ tweaks‍ and technical improvements

Since its​ screening‍ at Cannes, The Seed of the Sacred Fig has undergone minor editing tweaks, including compression and ​a few technical improvements. These changes,⁣ though not significant, enhance the ‍film’s ⁤overall quality.

Screening ‍at‌ Piazza Grande

Rasoulof is ‌thrilled about the⁤ opportunity to screen ⁢his film at Piazza Grande, Europe’s largest open-air venue. After ⁣premiering at Cannes, the ⁣film was also screened ‌at the ‌Sydney Film‍ Festival, where it ‍received the Audience Award‍ for​ Best International Feature. Returning⁣ to Locarno after 22 years, Rasoulof is excited to see his film on the big screen with an audience of over 8,000. He fondly recalls watching a Fellini film‌ at ⁢Piazza Grande during his first visit and hopes for clear skies ‌on the night of his screening.

Global ‌distribution and future plans

Working with ​international distributors

Rasoulof is pleased that his film has been sold worldwide,​ including to Neon in the U.S. He praises ‌European​ distributors‌ like Films Boutique and Parallel⁤ 45⁢ for ⁢their ⁢deep understanding of this type of cinema. Working with Neon, a professional team⁣ with a comprehensive understanding‍ of a film’s journey,‍ is ⁣particularly exciting for him.

Traveling to the U.S.

Rasoulof plans to travel to the United States for film screenings.‍ However, he⁣ currently lacks a passport and⁣ must travel ​with ⁢documents provided⁤ by the city of⁣ Hamburg. This‌ limitation raises questions about his ⁢ability to travel outside of Europe.

Reflections on Iran’s political landscape

The election of Masoud Pezeshkian

Rasoulof shared his thoughts on the recent election of reformist‍ politician⁤ Masoud ‍Pezeshkian in Iran. He ‍believes that the Islamic Republic ⁣is fundamentally unstable ⁢and​ lacks legitimacy among the majority of people. For decades, the ‌regime has ruled through brutal repression, relying on‍ crises for survival.⁤ However, these ⁣crises accumulate over time. Unforeseen ‌events, such as the⁣ Woman Life Freedom movement, have disrupted ‍the regime’s analyses. Following the collapse of Raisi’s government, Pezeshkian’s government is seen as a tool ‌to overcome these crises.⁢ Rasoulof notes that the president of Iran does not have a significant role​ in ‍determining domestic and international policies.

The future⁤ of the Iranian regime

Rasoulof continues to believe that ‍the⁢ current Iranian ⁢regime ​will not last long. He hopes that his⁢ film will help put more‌ pressure on Iran and⁤ raise questions for those who serve​ the ruling‍ power. Despite extensive censorship and repression, he remains‍ committed to portraying a realistic image of the era in which⁣ he lives. His films⁣ ultimately reach ‍their Iranian audience, reflecting his dedication to his craft and his hope‍ for societal change.

Final ⁢thoughts

Rasoulof’s​ journey from Iran ⁣to Europe is a testament ⁣to his resilience and ⁢dedication to filmmaking. His powerful drama, The⁣ Seed of ⁣the Sacred​ Fig, continues to captivate ⁤audiences worldwide, ​and his reflections ‌on Iran’s political‍ landscape offer valuable⁤ insights. As he navigates life‌ in ⁤Europe and‍ plans for future screenings, Rasoulof remains a⁤ beacon of hope‍ and inspiration for filmmakers and audiences alike.

For ‌more information and ⁢to watch​ the trailer, visit The Seed of the Sacred Fig.