Overview

• Mohammad Rasoulof's film 'Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums' has been selected as Germany's official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards despite being in Farsi and centered on Iranian themes.
• The film explores the aftermath of protests in Iran following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, focusing on a family's divided reactions and moral dilemmas under a repressive regime.
• Rasoulof secretly filmed the movie in Iran while facing an eight-year prison sentence for his activism and critical portrayals of the Iranian government, later fleeing the country to complete the project in exile.
• The film received widespread acclaim, including a standing ovation at its Cannes premiere, but its selection as Germany's Oscar contender has sparked debate over eligibility criteria and national representation.
• Iran has initiated legal proceedings against Rasoulof and members of the film's crew, with some still residing within the country under uncertain circumstances.