52-year-old Iranian director fled the nation to win a prize at Cannes (VIDEO)

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, who escaped from Iran from a jail sentence in Germany, however managed to return to the Cannes Movie Competition and current his movie “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” acquired a particular jury prize. The day earlier than, in an unique interview with the BBC Persian Service, he spoke about his cinematic expertise, arrests, imprisonment and resolution to depart the nation. The director famous that regardless of his deep cultural connection together with his homeland and his makes an attempt to interact in creativity even underneath extreme restrictions, he determined to depart Iran after he was sentenced to eight years in jail.

“It was not straightforward to depart,” Rasoulof admitted, describing how his associates first transported the director to a secure place, then to a border city and at last crossed the border.

Rasoulof expressed concern about whether or not he would be capable of proceed making movies in exile, however famous that the provision of contemporary digital applied sciences permits him to remain in contact with Iranian points.

He emphasised that Iranian tradition transcends geographical boundaries and connects Iranians around the globe.

Rasoulof urged younger Iranian filmmakers not to surrender regardless of stress from the federal government. He believes that the authorities’ makes an attempt to stifle unbiased cinema will in the end show unsuccessful.

The director celebrated the work of the brand new era of Iranian filmmakers, highlighting their resilience and dedication.

“Many younger filmmakers work arduous and punctiliously on their initiatives. This isn’t straightforward, however the principle factor is to keep in mind that cinema will not be a state product. We should proceed our work,” he urged.

Rasoulof stated that greater than 50 international locations have acquired the rights to distribute his newest movie even earlier than its official launch. Whereas he appreciates this worldwide curiosity, the director careworn that his foremost focus stays on the Iranian viewers.

“The most important reward for me is that my movie will attain the folks of Iran.”