Iranian filmmakers face regime backlash amid Oscar buzz
The movie "Seed of the Sacred Fig" is nominated for an Oscar in the Best International Film category. As director Mohammad Rasoulof reports, the production team has faced accusations from the Iranian regime. "Anything could happen," he stated in "Variety".
The movie "Seed of the Sacred Fig" has sparked quite a bit of controversy in Iran. The film was not well-received by the authorities, who decided to sentence the director to eight years in prison and confiscate his property. Mohammad Rasoulof managed to escape to Germany at the last moment and avoid the punishment.
In a much worse situation are the actresses who played two sisters in his production - Setareh Maleki and Mahsa Rostami. The artists decided to staunchly oppose censorship and appeared in front of the camera without the mandatory hijab.
The author of "Seed of the Sacred Fig", who has been fighting the regime in Iran for 15 years, added that incomprehensible accusations were also heard by other members of the team of the film nominated for international awards.
Soheila Golestan (featured in the role of the mother) is facing accusations of conspiracy and anti-government propaganda, and some filmmakers are being accused of prostitution. The authorities prevented the actress from travelling to the Netherlands, where she was to serve on the jury for the International Film Festival in Rotterdam.
Mohammad Rasoulof appeared on site. He conveyed that the future of his friends will only be decided after 3rd March, when the Academy Awards ceremony takes place.
Iranian authorities are waiting to issue sentences until the Oscars ceremony. After that, anything could happen — he warned.
He believes that the persecuted crew of his film dared to question the official narrative, and "their courage is contagious and inspires others to push the boundaries set by the government". This is what the local politicians fear, which is why they've brought absurd charges against the filmmakers.
What is the Oscar-nominated film "Seed of the Sacred Fig" about?
"Seed of the Sacred Fig" was nominated for not only an Oscar but also a Golden Globe. The story shown on screen caught the jury's attention at the Cannes festival, which decided to reward the production with long applause.
The plot focuses on two teenage sisters whose lives change when their father is promoted to an investigative judge. Despite financial and social benefits, the family then has to adhere to stricter rules and restrictions.
This does not sit well with the two main characters, who express their disapproval. The atmosphere at home becomes unpleasant, but that’s just the beginning of the problems. At one point, the head of the family's weapon goes missing. From day to day, everyone finds themselves in even greater danger.
