It seems bizarre, weird and outrageous. However, in 2024, artists are still prosecuted for their artistic work and ideas. Unfortunately, that is the case of Mohammad Rasoulof. The Iranian director had to flee Iran in order to save his life. He was sentenced to jail on national security charges. The charges were “collusion against national security”, according to Rasoulof’s lawyer. The real reason, though, is the fact that Iran does not want its artists to demonstrate the lack of freedom in the country.
Mohammad Rasoulof started his career with short films and documentaries. His first feature film “The Twilight” was released in 2002, his second film “Iron Island” in 2005 and his third feature film “The White Meadows” (which we totally recommend) in 2009. After that, the problems with the authorities started. In 2010, he was arrested because he was filming on a location without a permit. In 2017, his passport was confiscated upon a return to Iran. Police has arrested Rasoulof several times, accusing him for “propaganda against the system”.
Rasoulof’s latest film, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” was selected for the main competion at Cannes Film Festival. The Islamic Republic of Iran wanted this film out of the festival. That’s why they interrogated several cast and crew members, banned them from leaving the country and asking them to convince Rasoulof to withdraw the film. But Mohammad Rasoulof did not withdraw the film and in May 2024 he escaped Iran, along with some of the crew members secretly.
Our position must be clear. No artist should be ever accused by a State for their work. Artists should be free to express their ideas and no censorship should be allowed. No artist should have to leave his country to avoid jail.
