In a significant turn of events ahead of its premiere at Cannes 2024, Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison by Iranian authorities.

Mohammad Rasoulof’s latest film, The Seed of The Sacred Fig, has received an Oscar nomination in the Best International Feature category. This film, submitted by Germany—Rasoulof’s adopted home after fleeing Iran—has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also ignited international dialogue.

Having escaped Iran due to government persecution for his outspoken criticism of the regime, Rasoulof initially sought refuge in an undisclosed European country before establishing himself in Germany. His film has been acquired by Neon Rated for distribution in North America.

Despite being set in Tehran and featuring a predominantly Iranian cast and crew, The Seed of The Sacred Fig was produced by Rasoulof’s German company, Run Way Pictures, in collaboration with France’s Parallel45 and Arte France Cinéma.

The narrative follows Iman, an investigating judge in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, as he navigates growing mistrust and paranoia amidst escalating political protests, all while his firearm mysteriously vanishes. The film artfully intertwines fictional storytelling with real footage of protests that were violently suppressed by Iranian authorities.

Premiering at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2024, the film competed for the Palme d’Or and received a Special Award from the jury. Despite his eight-year prison sentence, Rasoulof successfully fled to Germany and attended the red carpet premiere at Cannes.

Commenting on the nomination, producers Rozita Hendijanian and Mani Tilgner from Run Way Pictures expressed, “We are incredibly honored that The Seed of The Sacred Fig has been nominated for an Oscar. We are thrilled that this courageous film by Mohammad Rasoulof, along with the dedication of the entire team who embraced significant risks, is now recognized by the Academy. We extend our gratitude to the Academy members and everyone who has supported us throughout this journey.”

Simone Baumann, Managing Director of German Films, added, “For the third consecutive time, the German entry has been nominated in the Best International Film category. This is fantastic news and a remarkable tribute to German cinema. Many exceptional films from around the globe are submitted in this category, and the fact that the German entry has once again reached the final five nominees reflects significant international interest. The Seed of The Sacred Fig serves as a psychogram of Iran’s theocracy, characterized by violence and paranoia. Rasoulof subtly addresses familial rifts that mirror the broader societal divisions within Iran. This film is a remarkable achievement by one of the great directors of world cinema who has found refuge in Germany. Congratulations to the entire team behind The Seed of The Sacred Fig!”