2024-08-25 16:04:49
Under other circumstances we will talk about cultural closeness. Germany is applying for the 2025 Foreign Language Oscar with a film that was not shot in Germany or set in Germany. Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof produced “Seeds of the Holy Fig Tree” in Germany after his escape from Iran in the spring. This is a good enough mark for the jury from German Films, the foreign representative of German films. He chose the films with which Germany could apply for an Oscar
Germany allows unique talent to participate in the tournament. Rasoulof won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale in 2020. He won awards at Cannes. Rasoulof is mentioned in the same spirit as another great of Iranian cinema, Jafar Panahi. The director of films like “Tehran Taxi” disappeared in Tehran’s famous Evin prison in 2022. He was able to leave the institution on bail after seven months.
A court sentenced the director to prison
Rasoulof avoided imprisonment in Evin prison and fled Iran in June. Like Panahi, he was sentenced to prison for his criticism of the actions of the security forces against demonstrators during the 2022 protests. They were fired after the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, who was accused of not wearing a modest veil, at the police station affect.
Rasoulof was able to finish the film “The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree” before escaping. The equipment was smuggled out of the country. His films have not been shown in Iran. But Iran’s leadership gives a certain amount of freedom to leaders who celebrate abroad. The popularity of Iranian films is creating sympathy in the West. However, direct criticism, as Rasoulof explains, crosses a red line.
The film shows the division in Iran
“Seeds of the Sacred Fig Tree” uses a family story to show how Iran is torn. Scenes of police violence during protests are linked to patriarchal positions. The film is Rasoulof’s commentary on the upliftment of women. The choice of Germany for the 2025 Oscar race is a commitment to the world of this message.
#refugee #film #win #Oscar #Germany