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Investigating judge Iman grapples with paranoia during political unrest in Tehran
When his gun goes missing, he becomes suspicious of his wife and daughters, imposing draconian measures that strain family bonds as social norms crumble. Director Mohammad Rasoulof was originally scheduled to attend the 2023 Cannes Film Festival as a member of the Un Certain Regard jury. However, he was arrested in July 2022 after criticizing the government’s crackdown on protesters in the southwestern city of Abadan in Iran following the deadly collapse of a building.
On May 12, 2024, Rasouloff announced that he had managed to escape Iran and was staying at an undisclosed location in Europe
On May 8, 2024, Rasouloff’s lawyer announced that he had been sentenced to eight years in prison, in addition to flogging, a fine and confiscation of his assets. On May 24, 2024, Rasouloff attended the film’s premiere in Cannes and on the red carpet showed photos of two of the film’s actors, Soheila Golestani and Missagh Zareh. The Seed of the Sacred Fig was one of the most anticipated premieres at Cannes because of the story of its creation.
What followed was not a film, it was a MOLOTOV COCKTAIL!
A film shot in secret in Iran, which led to its director and cast being sentenced to prison and flogging. So, could the film live up to expectations despite its complicated production? An incredibly brave, powerful and moving tale of morality, paranoia and resistance.
The third act got people talking, but it makes perfect sense to me in its symbolic context
If Rasoulof and his crew had already received a huge standing ovation for the film’s background before the film, the emotional standing ovation they received after the screening was even more enthusiastic, with Iranian director and fellow Palme d’Or contender Ali Abassi encouraging people to stand up and applaud. The Seed of the Scared Fig, unfortunately, did not win the Palme d’Or in the end, and had to settle for a small special jury prize. But still, it would have been my choice for the main prize, and it would have won my heart and the hearts of many others.
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