Mohammad Rasoulof in Germany: My Mission is to Describe the Situation Iranians are Trapped In

Mohammad Rasoulof, the renowned Iranian filmmaker who secretly left the country this week, told The Guardian that he has arrived in Germany. Mr. Rasoulof, referring to the imminent threat of imprisonment by the Islamic Republic, stated that he discarded all his traceable electronic devices and exited Iran after a long walk through mountainous border areas. Currently residing in an undisclosed location in Germany, he is completing the post-production stages of his new film titled 'The Fig Seed of Temples' and is attempting to attend its unveiling at the Cannes Film Festival. 'The Fig Seed of Temples' is one of the films competing in the main competition section at Cannes for the Palme d'Or. Rasoulof expressed hope to return to Iran 'very soon' and avoid serving his sentence. This independent Iranian filmmaker, who has significant achievements and awards in his professional career, told the publication that his legal status left him with 'no choice' but to leave the theocratic Islamic Republic, as he is 'determined to continue telling the stories of the people through cinema.' He further added that his mission is to convey narratives about what is happening in Iran and the situation Iranians are trapped in, but he cannot fulfill this mission from prison. On Monday, May 13, Mohammad Rasoulof announced his secret departure from Iran from an unspecified location. The appellate court of the Islamic Republic's judiciary had recently confirmed his eight-year prison sentence. He addressed the Islamic Republic officials, stating that he has now crossed the geographical borders of Iran 'under the boots of your religious tyranny,' like 'millions of Iranians who were forced to leave Iran due to your oppression and brutality,' and 'from today, I am a resident of my cultural Iran.' In his Instagram post, Mr. Rasoulof emphasized, 'I must quickly finish the final technical stages of post-production for The Fig Seed of Temples.' The Iranian director concluded by thanking all those who 'kindly, selflessly, and sometimes at the risk of their own safety' helped him 'to cross the border and reach a safe place,' adding, 'I am alive to tell the story.' Mohammad Rasoulof is a well-known critic of the Islamic Republic and has been imprisoned multiple times for his anti-government statements. He has been banned from working and leaving the country for seven years, yet he secretly made films underground in Iran. His departure from Iran has received significant media coverage, and undoubtedly, his presence at the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most important news of this artistic event. There is still no information about the subject, story, or how 'The Fig Seed of Temples' was produced, but it is said to be a sharp critical work against the Islamic Republic. Babak Paknia, a lawyer, recently reported the issuance of an eight-year prison sentence, flogging, fines, and confiscation of property against Mohammad Rasoulof, the well-known director and filmmaker. On Wednesday, May 8, Babak Paknia tweeted that five years of this eight-year sentence are enforceable, citing the main reason for this ruling against Mohammad Rasoulof as 'signing statements and making films and documentaries.' He added, 'According to the court, these actions constitute conspiracy to commit a crime against national security.' According to this lawyer, the ruling against Mohammad Rasoulof was initially issued by Branch 29 of the Revolutionary Court and was subsequently confirmed by Branch 36 of the appellate court, and the case has now been sent for execution. About ten days ago, Babak Paknia also reported the summons and interrogation of several crew members from the film 'The Fig Seed of Temples,' directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, stating that they were told to ask Mohammad Rasoulof to withdraw the film from the Cannes Festival. The Cannes Film Festival has begun; Mohammad Rasoulof and Ali Abbasi are competing for the Palme d'Or. The International Coalition of Filmmakers at Risk expressed solidarity with Mohammad Rasoulof. After leaving Iran, Mohammad Rasoulof stated: 'From today, I am a resident of cultural Iran, and I am alive to tell the story.' The Iranian Writers' Association called for the 'immediate and unconditional' cancellation of Mohammad Rasoulof's conviction. The Independent Filmmakers' Association stated that Rasoulof's ruling shows that the law of the Islamic Republic is merely a tool for stubbornness and revenge against opponents. The Independent Filmmakers' Association of Iran is participating in the Cannes Festival with works about 'Women, Life, Freedom.' The eight-year prison sentence of Mohammad Rasoulof, a critic of the regime, was confirmed by the appellate court. The Independent Filmmakers' Association of Iran stated that the Islamic Republic fears 'freedom of art and expression.' Ali Asgari, the director of 'Earthly Verses,' has been banned from leaving the country and prohibited from filmmaking. Production of 'Cabaret' has been halted; Kaveh Farnam stated that the goal of the Islamic Republic is 'to instill fear.'