Iranian Culture Minister Denounces Mohammad Rasoulof’s Film as “Illegal”
Esmaeili criticized the film’s clandestine production, conducted without authorization from the Ministry of Culture, and its subsequent participation in international festivals. He emphasized that such actions constitute violations of Iranian regulations, warning that both his ministry and other legal institutions will actively pursue any similar infractions they uncover.
The uncompromising stance taken by Esmaeili has been underscored by the reported legal actions taken against individuals associated with the film. According to Rasoulof’s lawyer, Babak Paknia, crew members have been summoned for interrogation by authorities, while some have been subjected to travel bans, indicative of the government’s stringent measures against dissenting voices.
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” delves into sensitive themes surrounding the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, sparked by the death of Kurdish Iranian Mahsa Amini in custody due to her attire. The ensuing protests, which saw a significant loss of life, have been portrayed in the film, drawing attention to the government’s handling of dissent and human rights issues.
The repercussions of Rasoulof’s film extend beyond its content, impacting the director himself. Rasoulof has reportedly been sentenced to eight years in prison, accompanied by additional penalties including lashes, fines, and property confiscation. Despite an appeal, the verdict against Rasoulof stands, underscoring the continued restrictions placed on him, including a travel ban, despite his release in 2022 following his arrest for activism.
Rasoulof’s plight has sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally, with prominent organizations advocating for the reversal of his sentence and the protection of freedom of expression. The outcry reflects growing dissent against the Iranian government’s suppression of artistic freedom and human rights violations.
