In a powerful testament to resilience and courage, the film “The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree” by Mohammad Rasoulof captures the spirit of the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement that erupted in Iran following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. this gripping narrative, which portrays the disintegration of a family amidst systemic injustice, was filmed covertly in Iran, leading to the director and his two lead actresses, Setareh Maleki and Mahsa Rostami, fleeing the country due to the film’s controversial nature. Premiering at Cannes and now in the running for an Oscar, the film not only highlights the bravery of Iranian women, known as “Shir zan” or lion women, but also serves as a stark critique of the oppressive regime.As the world watches, the film stands as a beacon of hope and a call for freedom in the face of tyranny.In a gripping account of resilience and courage, Iranian actresses Mahsa and Setareh share their harrowing experiences amid the ongoing “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement against the oppressive Mullah regime. Both women, who participated in protests despite the imminent danger, describe the brutal realities they faced, including violent confrontations with security forces. Mahsa recounts a traumatic incident where she was struck by rubber bullets and beaten with a baton, highlighting the risks activists endure in their fight for freedom. Setareh, who took on a role in a film directed by the critically acclaimed Mohammad rasoulof, emphasizes her commitment to art that challenges the regime, stating, ”I will never work on anything that pleases the state.” Their stories shed light on the courage of those standing against tyranny in Iran, as they continue to advocate for change despite the personal risks involved.In a gripping account of resistance against the Iranian regime, filmmakers Setareh and Mahsa reveal the harrowing conditions under which they created their latest project. despite the looming threat of arrest, they continued to defy oppressive laws, including the refusal to wear the hijab, motivated by the sacrifices of those who came before them. Their director, Mohammad Rasoulof, remained hidden during filming to protect the crew, often communicating from a concealed location. The tension was palpable, with fears of being captured before completing their scenes. Just as they wrapped up filming,Rasoulof received an eight-year prison sentence for his activism,prompting a swift escape. This story highlights the courage and resilience of artists fighting for freedom in the face of tyranny.In a gripping account of escape from Iran, actress Setareh reveals the harrowing journey she undertook to secure her freedom. Amidst rising tensions and government crackdowns, she and her colleagues faced severe repercussions for their activism, including confiscation of passports. Setareh,who had long been a vocal critic of the Islamic Republic,made the difficult decision to flee,ultimately navigating treacherous mountain paths to reach safety. With the help of the French embassy, she secured a passport and a ticket to France, where she attended the Cannes Film Festival, marking a poignant moment in her quest for liberation. Her story highlights the struggles faced by many Iranian artists seeking refuge from oppression.Two Iranian actresses, Mahsa and setareh, have shared their emotional journey from fleeing their homeland to premiering their film at a prestigious festival in Berlin.Reflecting on their experiences, Mahsa described the surreal blend of joy and sorrow as they navigated their new lives as immigrants, while Setareh emphasized the strength of their bond, likening it to family. Despite the challenges of longing for their homeland, both actresses remain optimistic about their future, envisioning a life filled with freedom and creativity.Their film, “The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree,” is set to hit German cinemas on December 26, 2024, marking a significant milestone in their artistic journey.Back pain remains a significant health issue in Germany,affecting millions and leading to high rates of disability and sick leave. Recent studies indicate that while the prevalence of back pain is still alarming, innovative treatment approaches are emerging. The STarT-Back-Approach, originally developed in the UK, is gaining attention for its effectiveness in stratifying patients into targeted treatment groups, possibly improving outcomes for those suffering from chronic pain. As Germany continues to explore new strategies for managing back pain, the focus on personalized care could pave the way for better recovery rates and reduced healthcare costs, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing research and adaptation in treatment methodologies [1[1[1[1][3[3[3[3].
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our discussion today about the powerful new film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” directed by Mohammad Rasoulof. This film not only tells a compelling story but also serves as a notable commentary on the current sociopolitical climate in Iran. Can you elaborate on how this film captures the essence of the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement that arose after Mahsa Amini’s tragic death?
Expert: Certainly! Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the sacred Fig” is a significant work that resonates deeply with the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran. It tells the story of Iman, an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court, who faces profound moral dilemmas as he navigates the systemic injustices prevalent in his society. The film not only portrays personal conflict but also reflects the wider societal disintegration due to oppressive governance, which is emblematic of the struggles highlighted by the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement.
Time.news Editor: It’s striking how the film was created under such risky conditions. Both the director and his lead actresses have faced serious repercussions due to the film’s controversial nature. What does this suggest about the risks artists and activists take in Iran?
Expert: The covert filming of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” underscores the extraordinary bravery of Rasoulof and his team. After the film’s completion, he and his lead actresses, Setareh Maleki and Mahsa Rostami, were compelled to flee Iran due to threats from the regime. This highlights the severe consequences that artists can face when they dare to critique the government. Their stories, especially those of the actresses who participated in protests, illustrate the physical dangers faced by activists, such as the use of violent measures by security forces. Mahsa’s account of being shot with rubber bullets and beaten during protests vividly illustrates the very real threats to life and personal safety that individuals endure in their fight for freedom.
Time.news Editor: This film seems to act as both a narrative of personal conflict and a broader political statement.In what ways does it reflect the spirit of the Iranian women, often referred to as “Shir zan” or “lion women”?
Expert: The term “Shir zan” encapsulates the resilience and courage of Iranian women, who have long been at the forefront of the fight for justice and equality. In “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” this spirit is depicted through the struggles of the female characters and their roles within a family that faces disintegration under pressure from an oppressive regime. The film not only highlights their bravery but also serves as a poignant reminder of their humanity amidst the chaos. As it stands now, the film is being recognized on international platforms, such as its premiere at Cannes and its Oscars campaign, which can amplify the voices of Iranian women globally.
Time.news Editor: It’s refreshing to see such an evocative film receiving international attention. What impact do you think this visibility will have not just on the Iranian struggle but also on global perceptions of movements for freedom?
Expert: The acclaim and visibility of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” can have a profound effect on global perceptions.It transforms the narrative around Iranian women from mere statistics of oppression to vibrant stories of resilience and courage. As audiences engage with the film, it fosters empathy and understanding of the risks those fighting for their basic rights undertake. Indeed, it can serve as a rallying point for international solidarity with the Iranian cause and can encourage more significant discourse about women’s rights and political freedoms not just in Iran but worldwide.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” goes beyond mere storytelling; it functions as a critical piece of activism in its own right, fostering awareness and hopefully, change on a global scale.