The Director’s Daring Escape

A Hair-Raising Journey

Director Rasoulof’s Cannes premiere unfolded against the backdrop of his dramatic escape from Iran, marking the beginning of an unprecedented confrontation with the Islamic Republic.

 

Pressure and Persecution

The Islamic Republic’s attempts to suppress Rasoulof’s film led to pressure for its withdrawal and resulted in a jail sentence for the director.

 

A Red Carpet Statement

A Symbolic Gesture

On the red carpet, Rasoulof defiantly displayed images of cast members still in Iran, alongside his daughter and Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani, who has been in exile in France.

 

A Standing Ovation

Inside the Grand Théâtre Lumière, Rasoulof was met with a prolonged standing ovation, a testament to the support for his courageous stand against censorship and oppression.

 

The Film’s Underground Origins

Shoestring Budget Production

“The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” crafted underground in Iran on a limited budget, depicts the struggles of a judge amidst the political turmoil of Tehran.

 

A Powerful Narrative

FRANCE 24’s culture editor, Eve Jackson, lauded the film as “extremely powerful,” tipping it as a frontrunner for the prestigious Palme d’Or.

A Triumph of Artistic Expression

Rasoulof’s Cannes premiere and the reception of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” underscore the enduring power of storytelling and the resilience of artists in the face of adversity.