Iranian dissident’s film to represent Germany at Oscars

Germany has selected Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof’s movie ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ as its official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.

The selection was made by an independent jury of experts appointed by German Films, who said they reviewed 13 films before making their decision.

“It is an outstanding work by one of the great directors of world cinema and someone who has found refuge in Germany from state despotism in Iran. We are very happy to know that Rasoulof is safe in our country. And we are delighted that he will be representing Germany at the Oscars in 2025," German Films said in their statement.

This marks the first time an Iranian film has been put forward by Germany for the Oscars.

The film delves into the protest movements in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Amini's death in custody, allegedly for not adhering to hijab, ignited widespread protests across Iran.

The exiled dissident filmmaker fled Iran by foot through rugged mountainous terrain after receiving an eight-year prison sentence, a flogging, a fine, and property confiscation for “signing statements and making films and documentaries,” which the Iranian authorities called “collusion to commit a crime against the country's security.”

Earlier this year, the exiled director’s film won a special jury prize at Cannes.

Alongside dissident actress Setareh Maleki, who stars in the film, Rasoulof attended the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival shortly after fleeing Iran.

While Germany hails Rasoulof’s work as “outstanding,” Iran's Culture Minister Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili had condemned the production and distribution of his film, labeling it "illegal."

As the film garners global attention, it not only shines a light on the struggles of the Iranian people but also underscores the importance of cinematic expression as a tool for resistance.