A scathing critique of the Iranian theocracy hidden in a powerful family drama, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" marks Mohammad Rasoulof's boldest cinematic expression yet. Filmed in secret and resulting in the director's exile from Iran, the film captures the struggle of a family split by societal tensions and the repressive state machinery.
In the gripping narrative, lawyer-turned-investigating judge, Iman, navigates corruption and escalating civil unrest, while his family's unity begins to fray under his paranoid fear and obsessive requirement for obedience. Playing out against the larger backdrop of societal inequality and the struggle against an authoritarian regime, the film shines a harsh light on the repression and violence perpetuated by those in power.
Rasoulof, a vocal critic of the Iranian government, has depicted state authorities and their abuses of power in his earlier works, including "Manuscripts Don’t Burn," "A Man of Integrity," and "There Is No Evil." His fearless exploration of these themes landed him in prison and eventually led to his dramatic escape from Iran, following an eight-year sentence on charges of "propaganda against the regime."
His escape involved a perilous 28-day trek over treacherous mountain passes to Germany, from where he premiered “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” at the Cannes Film Festival. The film was not only awarded a Special Jury Prize and the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes but also earned a slot in Germany’s Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature.
In an interview, Rasoulof described his motivation to resist the heavy censorship imposed in Iranian cinema and discussed how limitations and repression can give birth to powerful stories. He reflected on the impact of an authoritarian regime on personal and familial relationships and the weaponization of fear and mistrust.
"The Seed of the Sacred Fig" bears witness to the struggle against state repression and the power of cinema to shed light on societal and political upheavals. Despite living in exile, Rasoulof remains hopeful that his experiences in his new environment will serve as a wellspring for impactful narratives in the future.
