Renowned Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof touched down at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, marking his first public appearance since his daring escape from Iran. His arrival is particularly poignant given the turmoil he faced back home, where he was sentenced to eight years in prison for charges related to “collusion against national security.”
The well-known filmmaker, who has long been a vocal critic of the Iranian regime, exclaimed, “I can’t believe I’m standing here,” according to AFP journalists who were present at the Palais des Festivals, the main venue for the festival. Despite his presence, Rasoulof chose not to entertain questions from the press as he prepared for the premiere of his latest film, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” which is up for the prestigious Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest honor.
His new film delves deep into the life of a judge grappling with political unrest in Tehran, offering viewers a stark portrayal of the complexities faced by those who live under regimes that stifle dissent. Rasoulof faced immense pressure from Iranian authorities to withdraw the film from the festival, but he remained steadfast, ensuring that his work would be seen by a global audience.
The filmmaker’s list of accolades is long and notable. His movie “There Is No Evil” clinched the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 2020, and he previously won the Un Certain Regard award at Cannes for “A Man of Integrity” in 2017. These achievements amplify the significance of his participation in this year’s event, despite the risk involved.
Earlier this month, Rasoulof had been condemned to an eight-year prison term, having previously served two prison sentences over his films and criticisms of the Iranian government. Remarkably, his passport had been revoked back in 2017, further restricting his movements. However, just days before the Cannes Festival commenced, Rasoulof disclosed to The Guardian that he had managed to flee Iran, describing his escape as “exhausting and extremely dangerous.” This dramatic journey saw him traverse formidable terrain on foot to secure his freedom and continue his advocacy through cinema.
Thierry Fremaux, the director of the Cannes Film Festival, expressed the collective sentiment of many when he stated, “We are particularly touched to welcome Rasoulof here as a filmmaker.
. Our joy will be that of all festival-goers and all freedom-loving Iranians.” Fremaux reinforced the festival’s commitment to supporting artists worldwide who face oppression and reprisals for their creative expressions.
Rasoulof, while visibly relieved to be out of Iran, expressed deep concern for his colleagues who remain in the country. “I fear for the safety and well-being of fellow filmmakers in Iran,” he told AFP. He called upon the global film community to extend robust support to those who continue to produce films under such dire circumstances.
His words echoed far and wide, emphasizing the need for international solidarity in the face of censorship and retribution. The world of cinema, Rasoulof believes, has an essential role to play in shining a light on these injustices and providing a platform for stories that might otherwise be suppressed.
Against the backdrop of these dramatic events, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” premiered at Cannes on Friday. The film’s narrative, centered on a judge navigating political upheaval, resonates deeply with Rasoulof’s personal experiences. It serves not merely as entertainment but as a poignant commentary on the socio-political landscape in Iran.
The festival-goers greeted his work with a mix of admiration and empathy, recognizing the personal risks he undertook to bring his vision to the screen. The presence of his film at Cannes symbolizes more than just artistic achievement; it stands as a testament to the resilience of those who defy authoritarian regimes to champion the freedom of expression.
As Rasoulof continues to amplify the voices of those silenced in his homeland, his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of cinema. The global community looks on, not just to celebrate his artistic achievements, but to reinforce a universal commitment to human rights and creative freedom.
