Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig has been selected to represent Germany at the 97th Academy Awards in the category for Best International Feature Film.
This decision was made by an independent jury of experts appointed by German Films. A total of 13 films were submitted for consideration.
The jury commented, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig is a psychological portrait of Iran’s theocracy which is built on violence and paranoia. Mohammad Rasoulof subtly tells of the cracks within a family that are representative of those within Iranian society itself. A masterfully directed and movingly acted film that finds scenes that stay with you. The two rebellious daughters symbolise the courageous women of Iran and their self-sacrificing struggle against the patriarchs of their families and their state. 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.”
The Seed of the Sacred Fig had its world premiere in competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival where it won the Competition’s Special Jury Prize, the FIPRESCI Prize, the European Art House Cinemas Award (AFCAE), the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and the Prix François Chalais for Best Film. The film went on to win the Audience Award at Sydney Film Festival and is now also screened at other film festivals such as Locarno, Toronto, San Sebastian, New York, Telluride, and more. The Seed of the Sacred Fig has also been shortlisted for the European Film Award.
Mohammad Rasoulof (There is No Evil) is a director, screenwriter and producer who was born in Iran and has lived in Germany for many years. The Seed of the Sacred Fig provides a stark reckoning with the unjust regime in Iran, told as a political thriller and filled with authentic images of the protests during autumn 2022.
The film’s synopsis: “Iman (Misagh Zareh) has just been promoted to be an investigating judge at the Revolutionary Court in Tehran when a huge protest movement sweeps the country following the death of a young woman. Although the demonstrations increase and the state cracks down with ever tougher measures, Iman decides to side with the regime, upsetting the balance of his family. While the devout father struggles with the psychological strain of his new job, his daughters Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) are shocked and electrified by the events. His wife Najmeh (Soheila Golestani), on the other hand, is desperately trying to keep everyone together. Then Iman realizes that his service weapon has disappeared and he suspects his family …”
Director Mohammad Rasoulof and the producers Mani Tilgner, Rozita Hendijanian and Amin Sadraei commented on the decision, saying, “We are deeply honored that The Seed of the Sacred Fig has been selected as the German entry for the Oscars®. This film, which tells the story of oppression, but also of hope and resistance, is the result of a unique collaboration between people with very different realities of life and migration histories. It shows how powerful intercultural exchange can exist in a free and open society. We are delighted to be part of the international competition for the Oscars®.”
The Seed of the Sacred Fig will be released in US cinemas on November 27, 2024; and in German cinemas on December 26, 2024.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the shortlist on December 17, 2024.
The five nominated films will be selected from this shortlist and announced on January 17, 2025.
The Oscar® ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025.