The Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, known for There is no evil, has been condemned again by the authoritarian regime in his country. He was sentenced to eight years in prison, among other things. In Cannes, Rasoulof has a chance to win the Palme d’Or with his new film.
Eight years in prison, whipping, a fine and confiscation of his belongings. Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof was sentenced to this punishment by the Islamic Revolutionary Court. Babak Paknia, the human rights lawyer representing the director, announced this on X.
Rasoulof has often clashed with the authoritarian regime in Iran. It earned him numerous convictions, house arrest and a prison sentence. He was behind bars from July 2022 to February 2023. He had then spoken out on social media about police violence during the protests in his country. For health reasons, Rasoulof was released after eight months, although he was not allowed to leave the country. It prevented him from being a jury member in Cannes last year for the side competition Un certain regard.
According to his lawyer, Rasoulof has been convicted this time for new statements against the regime. But his films and documentaries are also the basis. According to the court, they testify to conspiracies and thus undermine security in the country.
Anti-propaganda
Criticism of the Iranian regime is the common thread throughout his oeuvre. Initially he was behind an allegorical veil, but since a conviction in 2010 for anti-propaganda he no longer hides his resistance.
Not only the clandestine filming proves this A man of integrity from 2016, which paints a pitch-black picture of a morally depraved country. Also There is no evil with four stories about the death penalty in Iran, there is no room for hope. With the film he won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 2020. He was unable to receive it himself because he had previously been banned from traveling after a conviction for conspiracy and propaganda against the regime.
Cannes
Rasoulof was expected again in Cannes this year. At the film festival, which takes place from May 14 to 25, he would present his new film The seed of a sacred fig to suggest. A Revolutionary Court investigating judge struggles with mistrust and paranoia as political protests grow in Iran. The film is a contender for the Palme d’Or.
It is becoming increasingly common for filmmakers to come into contact with the Iranian authorities. Three months ago, an Iranian film also premiered at the Berlin film festival without the makers. My favorite cake depicted a woman smoking, dancing and drinking. The regime took offense and therefore took away the passports of Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeh, the couple who directed the film. Two years ago, Jafar Panahi, known for Taxi Tehranthe premiere of his film in Venice No bears did not attend because he was in jail. Also because of his critical attitude.
