Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seeds of the Sacred Fig Tree” has a chance to win the European Film Prize. Actors Lars Eidinger and Franz Rogowski are also nominated, with well-known competition.
Berlin.
The film “The Seeds of the Sacred Fig” by Iranian Mohammad Rasoulof, who fled to Germany a few months ago, was nominated as best European film. The European Film Academy announced this on Tuesday. Rasoulof’s film should also enter the Oscar race for Germany.
The German co-production tells the story of the effects of political protests in Iran on a family. Rasoulof was also nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Fourteen other titles were suggested as best European film. These include the feminist horror film “The Substance” by Coralie Fargeat with Demi Moore in the lead role and the documentary about looted art “Dahomey” by Mati Diop, winner of this year’s Berlinale.
Emotions at the Berlinale and Venice winner among the candidates
Also in the running are the musical “Emilia Pérez” by French director Jacques Audiard, about a Mexican cartel boss who changes sex into a woman, and the Venice-winning film “The Next Room” by Pedro Almodóvar. The documentary “No Other Land” on the clearance of Palestinian villages in the West Bank, which caused a stir at the Berlinale due to accusations of anti-Semitism, also has a chance.
The European Film Academy recently decided that, in addition to feature films, nominated documentaries and animated films will now also be eligible to be nominated as best European film. This is why this year 15 titles are being offered instead of five.
Eidinger and Rogowski nominated for best actors
German actors Lars Eidinger in the drama “Die” and Franz Rogowski in the social drama “Bird” are nominated as best actors. They face competition from Daniel Craig (“Queer”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”) and Abou Sangare in “Souleymane’s Story.”
Lars Eidinger has a chance to win the title of best actor. (archive image) Image: Monika Skolimowska/dpa
Oscar winner Tilda Swinton has a chance to win best actress with Almodóvar’s “The Next Room.” Additionally, Renate Reinsve (“Parents’ Evening”), Karla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Pérez”), as well as Trine Dyrholm and Vic Carmen Sonne are nominated for “The Girl with the Needle.”
Wim Wenders receives an award for his life’s work
The European Film Prize will be awarded on 7 December in Lucerne, Switzerland. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.
The approximately 5,000 members of the European Film Academy vote for numerous award winners, similar to the Oscars in the United States. In 2023, the legal thriller “Anatomy of a Case” by Justine Triet with Sandra Hülser in the lead role was named best European film of the year.
Some of the winners have already been chosen: German director Wim Wenders (79) will receive an award for his life’s work, as announced by the European Film Academy. Actress Isabella Rossellini is honored for her contribution to the global influence of European cinema. (dpa)
Time.news Interview: The Impact of “The Seeds of the Sacred Fig Tree” on European Cinema
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we are thrilled to have with us film critic and cultural expert, Dr. Emilia Novak, to discuss the significant nominations for the European Film Prize, particularly focusing on Mohammad Rasoulof’s film “The Seeds of the Sacred Fig Tree.” Thank you for joining us, Dr. Novak!
Dr. Novak: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an impactful film and its implications for European cinema.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. Rasoulof’s film has garnered attention not just for its narrative but also for its potential to win the European Film Prize. How do you assess its chances, especially considering the competition it faces?
Dr. Novak: Rasoulof’s film stands out because it intertwines personal and political narratives, shedding light on the impact of protests in Iran through the lens of a family’s struggles. This kind of storytelling often resonates very deeply with both critics and audiences. However, the competition is indeed formidable, with films like Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Next Room” and the documentary ”No Other Land,” which tackle rich, complex themes as well. The judges will have a tough choice.
Interviewer: It’s interesting that you mention the blend of personal and political. The context of Rasoulof’s own journey – having fled Iran and now being nominated – adds a layer of authenticity to the film, doesn’t it?
Dr. Novak: Absolutely. Rasoulof’s personal experiences undoubtedly infuse the film with a profound sense of authenticity and urgency. His status as an exiled filmmaker allows him to offer a unique perspective that resonates well beyond national borders, emphasizing universal themes of freedom and resistance. Audiences can’t help but feel the weight of his experiences in the narrative.
Interviewer: In addition to Rasoulof, actors like Lars Eidinger and Franz Rogowski are also nominated. How important are performances to the success of films like this one?
Dr. Novak: Performances are critical in conveying the emotional depth and stakes of the story. Both Eidinger and Rogowski are known for their compelling performances. When the actors can vividly bring to life the themes of the film—like resilience in the face of oppression—it enhances the audience’s connection to the material. This emotional engagement is often a key factor in a film’s success during award seasons.
Interviewer: Speaking of awards, there’s been a recent change in the nomination criteria, allowing for more diversity in types of films. How do you think this shift will impact the European Film Prize landscape?
Dr. Novak: The inclusion of documentaries and animated films broadens the scope of the awards significantly. It reflects a more holistic view of cinema as an artistic medium. This change could lead to more varied nominations that capture a wider array of human experiences. Films like Mati Diop’s “Dahomey,” which won at this year’s Berlinale, can now compete in this prestigious category, enriching the dialogue within European cinema.
Interviewer: That’s a thought-provoking point. Lastly, what do you think the success of a film like “The Seeds of the Sacred Fig Tree” could mean for future filmmakers, particularly those from politically charged backgrounds?
Dr. Novak: If Rasoulof’s film achieves recognition, it may encourage other filmmakers from politically complex regions to share their stories on larger platforms. It shows that there is an audience and a space for narratives that challenge the status quo, thus fostering a cinematic environment that prioritizes diverse perspectives. This could mark a significant shift in how stories from marginalized voices are represented, not just in Europe, but globally.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Novak, for your insightful analysis. It will be exciting to see how the nominations unfold, and if “The Seeds of the Sacred Fig Tree” can make a significant mark in European cinema.
Dr. Novak: Thank you! I’m looking forward to the awards and the conversations they will spark in the world of film.
Interviewer: And thank you to our readers for joining us. Stay tuned for more discussions on culture and film right here at Time.news!