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Director Mohammad Rasoul Flee Iran amidst his film, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” on Saturday

22 January 2025
Ashutosh Raj

Director Mohammad Rasoul Flee Iran: Director Mohammad Rasoulof fled Iran amidst the production of his film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” on Saturday. Rasoulof revealed that he received news of impending charges against him during the final stages of shooting but made the risky decision to complete the film before leaving the country. Despite the pressure and the potential consequences of arrest, Rasoulof was determined to finish his project, aware that it could lead to further charges against him. He relied on the slow pace of legal proceedings and coordinated with colleagues abroad to ensure the film’s completion and potential release. However, the situation escalated when he learned that Iranian authorities were also targeting other members of the film’s team. Faced with imminent arrest and mounting risks, Rasoulof had to make a swift decision. In a matter of hours, he chose to leave Iran and seek refuge elsewhere, rather than face imprisonment. With the help of trusted contacts, Rasoulof managed to leave the country clandestinely and eventually reached a safe location near the border. From there, he made his way to a European country, where he sought assistance from the European Council to confirm his identity and facilitate his relocation to Germany.

What is the plot of The Seed of the Sacred Fig?


“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” revolves around Iman, an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. As political protests sweep the nation, Iman grapples with mistrust and paranoia. Assigned to approve death penalty judgments without proper assessment, he also faces pressure to conceal information from loved ones. When his handgun mysteriously disappears, Iman suspects his family, heightening tensions and secrets amidst unrest.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig Cast and Crew

  • Soheila Golestani as Najmeh
  • Missagh Zareh as Iman
  • Mahsa Rostami as Rezvan
  • Setareh Maleki as Sana
  • Niousha Akhshi as Sadaf
  • Reza Akhlaghirad as Ghaderi
  • Shiva Ordooie as Fateme

The Seed of the Sacred Fig Reception and Performance


“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” marks Mohammad Rasoulof’s tenth directorial work. Known for defying Iranian censorship, Rasoulof has faced imprisonment and bans on filmmaking and travel. His previous film, “There Is No Evil,” won the top prize at the Berlin International Film Festival. Rasoulof’s involvement in the 2023 Cannes Film Festival was thwarted by his arrest for criticizing government actions. Despite legal challenges, he continues to produce impactful cinema that confronts social and political issues.

What is “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” plot about?

“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is a drama film directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, It is about Iman, an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. As political protests increase, Iman while with mistrust and paranoia navigates his responsibilities and personal relationships.

Who are the main cast of the Seed of the Sacred Fig?

The main cast of Seed of the Sacred Fig includes Soheila Golestani as Najmeh, Missagh Zareh as Iman, Mahsa Rostami as Rezvan, Setareh Maleki as Sana, Niousha Akhshi as Sadaf, Reza Akhlaghirad as Ghaderi, and Shiva Ordooie as Fateme.

What is the background of director Mohammad Rasoulof?

Mohammad Rasoulof is a renowned filmmaker known for defying Iranian censorship regulations. Despite facing imprisonment and bans on filmmaking and travel, Rasoulof has continued to produce impactful cinema, with “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” marking his tenth directorial work.

How was the Seed of the Sacred Fig received at the Cannes Film Festival?

“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d’Or and received a Special Prize from the jury

Ashutosh Raj

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