Berlin, Germany – Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has recently fled his home country to an undisclosed location in Europe. This move comes after a court in Iran sentenced him to prison on national security charges. Rasoulof condemned the Iranian government for its actions, calling it a tyrannical and oppressive regime in a post on Instagram.
The filmmaker expressed his decision to escape Iran after being informed by his lawyers that his prison sentence would be implemented on short notice. Facing the choice between prison and exile, Rasoulof made the difficult decision to leave his homeland. He is among several high-profile artists who have faced repercussions as part of a wider crackdown on dissent by Iranian authorities.
Rasoulof’s latest work, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, but it remains uncertain whether he will be able to attend. His distributor expressed relief that Rasoulof arrived safely in Europe and hopes that he will still be able to participate in the premiere. Despite facing challenges, Rasoulof remains determined to complete the final technical steps of his film’s post-production.
The Iranian filmmaker, known for his critical stance against the government, has faced previous legal troubles and restrictions due to his work. In 2022, he was sentenced to one year in prison and a ban on filmmaking for two years on charges of “propaganda against the system.” Rasoulof’s supporters and colleagues have also been targeted and pressured by Iranian authorities, leading to concerns for their safety and wellbeing.
Rasoulof’s escape from Iran was done discreetly with the help of friends and acquaintances. As he continues his work in exile, he remains focused on completing his film and ensuring the safety of those who contributed to its creation. The filmmaker’s journey highlights the challenges faced by artists and activists in repressive regimes and the determination to continue speaking out against injustice.