Oscar-nominated film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" faces Iranian backlash
The movie "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" is nominated for an Oscar in the Best International Film category. The production team, as director Mohammad Rasoulof reports, has faced accusations from the Iranian regime. "You never know when it [the censorship - ed.] will happen," he stated in "Variety."
"The Seed of the Sacred Fig" has sparked significant controversy in Iran. The film was not well-received by the authorities, who decided to sentence the director to 8 years in prison and confiscate his property. Mohammed Rasoulof managed to escape to Germany at the last moment and avoid the punishment.
The actresses who played two sisters in the film—Setareh Maleki and Mahsa Rostami—are in a much more difficult situation. They staunchly opposed censorship and appeared in front of the camera without the mandatory hijab.
The author of "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," who has been fighting the regime in Iran for 15 years, added that other team members have faced incomprehensible accusations as well.
Soheila Golestan, who is featured in the role of the mother, is facing charges of conspiracy and anti-government propaganda. Some filmmakers are even accused of prostitution. Authorities have prevented her from traveling to the Netherlands, where she was supposed to serve on the jury for the International Film Festival in Rotterdam.
Mohammad Rasoulof provided an update on the situation. He conveyed that the future of his friends will only be decided after March 3rd, when the Academy Awards ceremony takes place.
The whole situation pacified the community, because you are in a state of waiting. I don’t know what their reaction will be after the Oscars, he warned.
He believes that the persecuted crew dared to question the official narrative, and "their courage is very contagious. They become inspirational for others to also take routes going beyond those paved by the government." Local politicians fear this, which is why they've brought absurd charges against the filmmakers.
What is the Oscar-nominated film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" about?
"The Seed of the Sacred Fig" was nominated for both an Oscar and a Golden Globe. The compelling story captured the jury's attention at the Cannes festival, earning the production extended applause.
The plot centers on two teenage sisters whose lives change dramatically when their father is promoted to an investigative judge. Despite financial and social benefits, the family has to adhere to stricter rules and restrictions.
This does not sit well with the sisters, who express their disapproval. The atmosphere at home becomes tense, but that is just the beginning of their problems. At one point, their father's weapon goes missing, placing everyone in greater danger each day.
