Mohammad Rasoulof, the Iranian filmmaker and Oscar nominee, has become a symbol of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. His latest film, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” has garnered international acclaim and earned him a nomination for the Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars. However, Rasoulof’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. Arrested multiple times for his outspoken criticism of the Iranian regime, Rasoulof has faced imprisonment, exile, and censorship. Yet, he remains undeterred, continuing to tell stories that challenge the status quo and inspire others to do the same.
Early Life and Career
A Passion for Filmmaking
Mohammad Rasoulof was born in Tehran in 1973. From a young age, he was drawn to the world of cinema, inspired by the works of renowned Iranian filmmakers like Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi. Rasoulof began his career as a film critic and journalist, but his true passion lay in directing. His early films, such as “The White Meadows” and “There Is No Evil,” explored themes of social justice, human rights, and the impact of political repression on ordinary people.
Facing the Regime
Rasoulof’s outspoken criticism of the Iranian government has led to multiple arrests and harsh sentences. In 2010, he was sentenced to six years in prison for “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the Supreme Leader”. Despite the risks, Rasoulof continued to make films, often working in secret to avoid detection. His 2013 film, “Manuscripts Don’t Burn,” was smuggled out of Iran and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim.
The Making of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”
Inspiration and Challenges
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” was inspired by the mass protests in Iran in 2022, sparked by the killing of Mahsa Amini by the morality police. Rasoulof, who was in prison at the time, heard the demonstrations from his cell and decided to create a film exploring state violence, paranoia, and censorship. The film follows Iman, an investigator for Iran’s Revolutionary Court, who begins to question the arbitrary nature of the death warrants he is asked to sign. The production was fraught with challenges, including the need to work in secret and the constant threat of arrest.
Filming in Exile
After completing the film, Rasoulof was sentenced to eight years in prison and a whipping. Fearing for his safety, he fled Iran by foot across the border into Turkey and eventually made his way to Germany, where he applied for asylum. Despite the hardships, Rasoulof remained committed to his craft, continuing to work on “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” while in exile. The film was edited in Hamburg and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won a special jury prize.
Impact and Legacy
A Voice for the Voiceless
Rasoulof’s films have resonated with audiences around the world, shedding light on the struggles of ordinary people in Iran and the broader issues of human rights and political repression. His work has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for “There Is No Evil” in 2020. Rasoulof’s nomination for the Oscars is a testament to his talent and perseverance, as well as his unwavering commitment to telling stories that matter.
Inspiring Others
Rasoulof’s journey has inspired many, both within Iran and beyond. His courage in the face of adversity serves as a reminder of the power of art to challenge injustice and give voice to the oppressed. As he continues to make films and share his stories, Rasoulof remains a beacon of hope for those who seek to make a difference through their work.
Conclusion
Mohammad Rasoulof’s story is one of resilience, defiance, and the unyielding pursuit of artistic expression. Despite the numerous obstacles he has faced, Rasoulof has remained true to his vision, using his films to shed light on the injustices of the Iranian regime and inspire others to do the same. His nomination for the Oscars is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of those who refuse to be silenced.