Award-winning Iranian film director Mohammad Rasoulof has fled to Europe after being sentenced to eight years in prison ahead of the Cannes Film Festival premiere of his latest film. Rasoulof’s lawyer revealed that he was punished for making films and signing statements, but Iranian authorities have not yet acknowledged his sentence. Rasoulof, known for his film “There Is No Evil” which won the Golden Bear prize at Berlin in 2020, said he had to choose between prison and leaving Iran, ultimately deciding to go into exile.
Facing a crackdown on dissent in Iran, Rasoulof expressed concern for others involved in his latest film, some of whom have faced interrogation and harassment. Despite the challenges, Jean-Christophe Simon of Films Boutique and Parallel45 expressed relief that Rasoulof arrived safely in Europe and hopes he can attend the Cannes premiere of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”
Rasoulof remains in an undisclosed location, raising uncertainty about his Cannes attendance. His situation sheds light on the oppressive climate in Iran, where the government is accused of systematic human rights violations. The filmmaker’s journey to Europe serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some go to in pursuit of artistic expression amidst political repression.