Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has fled to Europe after being sentenced to eight years in prison in Iran. Rasoulof's departure came shortly before the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his new film, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," scheduled for May 24, 2024. His sentence also included flogging and confiscation of property, attributed by his lawyer, Babak Paknia, to Rasoulof's filmmaking activities and signing protest statements against government actions in Iran.
Rasoulof, age 51, is known for his critical view of the Iranian regime, having previously won the Golden Bear prize at Berlin in 2020 for his film “There Is No Evil.” He left Iran covertly due to the confiscation of his passport by the Iranian authorities in September 2017. The filmmaker's choice to flee was spurred by imminent additional charges related to his latest film, leading him to choose exile to avoid further incarceration.
The director is now in an undisclosed location in Europe, and it remains uncertain if he will be able to attend the Cannes premiere of his film. Rasoulof highlighted ongoing pressure and risks faced by his colleagues involved in the film, including raids and interrogations.
The Cannes Film Festival's artistic director, Thierry Fremaux, reflected on the potential presence of Rasoulof at the festival, indicating the ongoing relevance of film as a medium to address political circumstances. Rasoulof's situation underscores the broader challenges faced by artists within Iran and the risks associated with dissent.