The Seed of the Sacred Fig

The story unfolds during the recent real-life protests in Iran, when people rose up in response to the death of Mahsa Amini — a young woman detained for “improperly” wearing her hijab. The film’s main character, Iman, a criminal court investigator, struggles to maintain control over his own life while being haunted by his inner demons. When his personal firearm mysteriously disappears, suspicion falls on those closest to him — his wife and daughters. In a desperate attempt to restore order, Iman imposes strict, oppressive rules at home, mirroring the brutality of the outside world.

Director Mohammad Rasoulof shot the film in total secrecy and, immediately after filming, was forced to throw away his phone and flee Iran through mountain paths. Back home, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, asset confiscation, and corporal punishment. Three actresses from the film also escaped the country.

🏆 The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, winning five awards — including the Special Jury Prize and the FIPRESCI Critics’ Award.

☝️ This week, under the “Iranian Cinema” section, we’ve curated several films that impressed us the most — works that help shed light on what has been happening in the country in recent years.