Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has fled to Europe after being sentenced to eight years in prison by the Islamic Republic. Rasoulof, known for his award-winning films, arrived in Europe a few days ago following a long and complicated journey. His latest film, 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig,' is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 24.
Rasoulof's lawyer revealed that the director was sentenced to eight years in prison, flogging, and property confiscation for his filmmaking activities and signing statements. The Iranian authorities have not officially acknowledged Rasoulof's sentence, and there has been no immediate comment on his departure.
Rasoulof, along with other artists, had signed a letter urging authorities to de-escalate tensions during demonstrations following a building collapse in Abadan that claimed at least 29 lives. The crackdown on dissent in Iran has intensified in recent years, with Rasoulof being the latest artist targeted.
In his statement, Rasoulof expressed his objection to the ruling and highlighted the widespread human rights violations in Iran. He mentioned that he had to choose between prison and exile, ultimately deciding to leave Iran due to the heavy sentence imposed on him.
Rasoulof's film, 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig,' delves into the insidious nature of the Iranian dictatorship within families. The director also shared the challenges faced by his collaborators, with some leaving Iran to avoid repercussions and others being interrogated by authorities.
Despite the obstacles, there is hope that Rasoulof will be able to attend the Cannes premiere of his film. The film's distributors expressed relief at his safe arrival in Europe and emphasized the importance of his presence at the festival.
As the Cannes Film Festival approaches, the fate of Rasoulof's attendance remains uncertain, but the impact of his work on the big screen is expected to resonate with audiences worldwide.
