Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof vividly recounted a profound and life-changing decision taken under immense pressure during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday. The celebrated director, who has faced numerous adversities for his artistic expression, was in the iconic French Riviera town for the premiere of his new drama, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” The film’s debut comes almost two weeks after Rasoulof announced his flight into exile to evade an impending eight-year prison sentence and a lashing in Iran.
Describing the events leading up to his decision, Rasoulof revealed that he was abruptly confronted with the reality of his sentencing, with only a week’s notice before its enforcement. His plight intensified when Iranian authorities became aware of his latest cinematic work, putting him in an untenable position.
Rasoulof shared the difficult moment he faced, “I had to say to myself, well, do I want to be in prison, or should I leave Iran, geographic Iran, and join the cultural Iran that exists beyond its borders?” This reflective question captured the essence of his internal turmoil as he weighed his options. He reminisced about this pivotal moment that took him a mere two hours to resolve. Caught between the oppressive walls of incarceration and the freedoms of exile, he chose the latter, valuing his unimpeded voice over personal risk.
During his decision-making, Rasoulof described pacing around his house, connected to his beloved plants—sentient beings that provided him comfort, only to eventually bid them farewell as he prepared for an uncertain future. “I said goodbye to my plants that I love, and I have many, many plants in my house,” he recalled, illuminating the poignant sacrifices intertwined with his escape.
Consequently, Rasoulof left behind all of his possessions, walked out of the door, and into exile. “It’s not an easy decision to take. It still isn’t easy even to talk about it today with you,” he confessed to the assembled journalists, conveying the lingering emotional toll of his forced departure.
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The Iranian government’s reaction to Rasoulof’s work and circumstances was one of staunch opposition. Iran’s culture minister, Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, stated to state media earlier this month that Rasoulof’s film had been produced illegally and warranted a stringent crackdown on movies made without permits.
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” strikes at the heart of Iranian society’s turbulence, portraying a court official’s descent into authoritarianism during the 2022 protests over the death of Mahsa Amini—a Kurdish woman detained by the morality police for allegedly violating dress codes. The film’s powerful narrative and authentic portrayal resonated deeply with audiences, garnering the longest standing ovation at Cannes following its premiere on Friday night. Critics have lauded the film as “mesmerizingly gripping” and “shattering,” attesting to its profound impact.
Rasoulof’s film is a culmination of years of resilience and confrontation with the oppressive mechanisms of Iranian secret services. “All these characters were inspired by real people, all the scenes come from real situations,” he revealed, offering insight into the dramatic realism embedded in his storytelling. His understanding of the intricacies of evasion has been honed to an art form, born of necessity and survival amidst persistent surveillance and harassment.
With characteristic candor and humor, Rasoulof likened his existence to that of a cinematic outlaw, sharing a laugh with assembled members of the press. “Our life is fairly similar to that of gangsters, except we are gangsters of the cinema,” he quipped, underscoring the perilous yet determined path he treads for the sake of his craft.
As the director navigates his new reality in exile, his latest film, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” stands as a testament to his unyielding spirit, creative vision, and the heavy costs borne by those who dare to challenge oppressive regimes through art. Rasoulof’s journey continues, championed by his growing international audience, even as he remains a poignant symbol of artistic resistance and the enduring power of cinema.
