US acquires distribution rights for 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' by director Rasoulof, who fled Iran

Film production company Neon has acquired the US distribution rights for 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig', the latest film by director Mohammed Rasoulof, which is featured in the selection of the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Rasoulof was sentenced to prison and flogging in Iran on charges of threatening national security through his films and documentaries.

The director, who previously won the Golden Bear, the top prize at the Berlinale, for his film 'There Is No Evil', was forced to flee Iran secretly to attend the screening of his film at Cannes following the sentence handed down by Iranian courts.

Some time ago, Rasoulof posted a statement on Instagram condemning the Iranian government, calling the regime cruel and oppressive, and released a video showing him crossing the country's mountainous border.

'I HAD TO FLEE IRAN SECRETLY'

Speaking to Variety magazine, Rasoulof said the following regarding the reason for his departure and the sentence he received:

"After a long and complex journey, I arrived in Europe a few days ago. I didn't have much time to decide. I had to choose between leaving Iran and going to prison. With great sadness, I chose exile. I had to leave Iran secretly because the Islamic Republic had confiscated my passport in September 2017."

It is a matter of curiosity whether the film, which will have its world premiere at Cannes with 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig', will win an award this time as well. If Rasoulof wins an award with this film, it will be his fifth time leaving Cannes with an award."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following the announcement that 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' would be included in the official competition section at Cannes, Iranian authorities pressured both the director and the festival to withdraw the film.