Mohammad Rasoulof flees Iran after 8 year prison sentence for Cannes-bound film ‘Seed of the Sacred Fig

It remains unclear whether Rasoulof will be able attend the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of his film on 24 May since it might present some risks. (Image via X

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has run away from Iran and gone to Europe illicitly after receiving an 8 year prison sentence by the country’s government. The authorities also forced him to remove his latest film ‘Seed of the Sacred Fig’ from the Cannes Film Festival competition and harassed the film’s cast and crew. He refused to withdraw his film from the festival.

Jean-Christophe Simon, CEO of Films Boutique and Parallel45, who are distributing Rasoulof’s film said, “We are very happy and much relieved that Mohammad has safely arrived in Europe after a dangerous journey. We hope he will be able to attend the Cannes premiere of ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ in spite of all attempts to prevent him from being there in person.”

However, it remains unclear whether Rasoulof will be able attend the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of his film on 24 May since it might present some risks.

Last week, a court sentenced him to an 8 year prison sentence on account of "collusion against national security”.

The director took to his Instagram and said, "The scope and intensity of repression has reached a point of brutality where people expect news of another heinous government crime every day.”

His conflict with the Iranian government has been going on since years. In 2019, he was sentenced to 1 year in jail for his film ‘A Man of Integrity’. The film won a prize at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

In 2020, the director was accused of ‘anti-government propaganda’ and was given another 1 year jail sentence after the release of his film, ‘There is no Evil’. The film is about the death penalty in Iran.

Mohammad Rasoulof released a statement, published by Variety- “The world’s cinema community must ensure effective support for the makers of such films. Freedom of speech should be defended, loudly and clearly. People who courageously and selflessly confront censorship instead of supporting it are reassured of the importance of their actions by the support of international film organisations. As I know from personal experience, it can be an invaluable help for them to continue their vital work. Many people helped to make this film. My thoughts are with all of them, and I fear for their safety and well-being.”