Filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, who has just fled Iran, received a standing ovation on Friday upon his arrival at the Cannes Festival gala room, where Wild fig seedshis film in the running for the Palme d’Or.
The presence in Cannes of the filmmaker, persecuted by the Iranian regime that deprived him of his passport and sentenced him to prison, is a symbol of freedom of expression.
Only part of the film crew was able to leave Iran. On the red carpet and then in the room, Mohammad Rasoulof showed the photographs of two of his main actors, Missagh Zareh and Soheila Golestani.
He took the steps alongside the Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani, who has lived in exile in France for about fifteen years.
Clandestinely filmed film
He was also accompanied by his daughter Baran, in a symbolic passing of relief since it was the latter who received the Golden Bear in Berlin on behalf of her father, who four years ago was prohibited from leaving his country.
Rasoulof presents in Cannes Wild fig seedsa film shot clandestinely that tells the story of a magistrate, his wife and their two daughters, in an Iran immersed in demonstrations.
The film directly echoes the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement that has shaken the Islamic Republic since the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022.
Source: BFM TV
