Renowned Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has made a daring escape from his country after being sentenced to eight years in prison by the Islamic Revolution Court. Rasoulof, known for his critical stance against the Iranian government, is currently in an undisclosed location in Europe, according to a statement released to the press.
The director’s decision to flee came after he received confirmation of his prison sentence and anticipated further repercussions due to his latest film, “Seed of the Sacred Fig Tree,” premiering at the Cannes Film Festival. Rasoulof expressed his heavy heart in choosing exile over imprisonment, citing the confiscation of his passport in 2017 as a driving factor.
Rasoulof’s troubles with the Iranian authorities began in 2022 when he was arrested for signing a petition advocating for restraint by security forces during protests. Despite being temporarily released on health grounds in 2023, he remained under house arrest and faced additional charges related to his 2020 film, “There Is No Evil.”
The filmmaker’s lawyer, Babak Paknia, revealed that Rasoulof’s sentencing was primarily due to his filmmaking and activism, deemed as threats to national security by the court. Reports suggest that Iranian authorities pressured Rasoulof to withdraw his film from Cannes, leading to concerns for the safety of those involved in the project who remain in Iran.
In a poignant statement, Rasoulof highlighted the ongoing repression in Iran and called for international support for filmmakers facing censorship. Despite the challenges he and his colleagues faced, Rasoulof emphasized the importance of defending freedom of expression and the need for solidarity within the global cinema community.
As Rasoulof navigates his new reality in exile, his escape serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by artists who dare to challenge oppressive regimes in pursuit of creative freedom. The Cannes screening of “Seed of the Sacred Fig Tree” now stands as a testament to Rasoulof’s resilience and unwavering commitment to his craft amidst adversity.