After viewing all the films submitted on 21 and 22 August in Munich, the nine-member jury with jury spokesperson Ulrich Matthes (Deutsche Filmakademie e.V.) selected the drama THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG as the German Oscar® candidate. The jury's motivation reads as follows:

"THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG is a psychological portrait of Iran's theocracy which is built on violence and paranoia. Mohammad Rasoulof subtly tells of the cracks within a family that are representative of those within Iranian society itself. A masterfully directed and movingly acted film that finds scenes that stay with you. The two rebellious daughters symbolise the courageous women of Iran and their self-sacrificing struggle against the patriarchs of their families and their state. It is an outstanding work by one of the great directors of world cinema and someone who has found refuge in Germany from state despotism in Iran. We are very happy to know that Rasoulof is safe in our country. And we are delighted that he will be representing Germany at the Oscars® in 2025."

Director Mohammad Rasoulof and the producers Mani Tilgner, Rozita Hendijanian and Amin Sadraei on the decision:
We are deeply honoured that THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG has been selected as the German entry for the Oscars®. This film, which tells the story of oppression, but also of hope and resistance, is the result of a unique collaboration between people with very different realities of life and migration histories. It shows how powerful intercultural exchange can exist in a free and open society. We are delighted to be part of the international competition for the Oscars®.

About the film:
Iman (Misagh Zareh) has just been promoted to be an investigating judge at the Revolutionary Court in Tehran when a huge protest movement sweeps the country following the death of a young woman. Although the demonstrations increase and the state cracks down with ever tougher measures, Iman decides to side with the regime, upsetting the balance of his family. While the devout father struggles with the psychological strain of his new job, his daughters Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) are shocked and electrified by the events. His wife Najmeh (Soheila Golestani), on the other hand, is desperately trying to keep everyone together. Then Iman realises that his service weapon has disappeared and he suspects his family ...

Mohammad Rasoulof's THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG provides a stark reckoning with the unjust regime in Iran, told as a political thriller and filled with authentic images of the protests during autumn 2022.

The film had its world premiere in competition at this year's Cannes Film Festival where it received the Competition's Special Jury Prize, the FIPRESCI Prize, the European Art House Cinemas Award (AFCAE), the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and the Prix François Chalais for Best Film. The film went on to win the Audience Award in Sydney and is now also screened at other film festivals such as Locarno, Toronto, San Sebastian as well as important autumn festivals in the USA. THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG has also been shortlisted for the European Film Award.

THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG was produced by Run Way Pictures in co-production with Parallel45, ARTE France Cinéma and with the participation of ARTE France and in co-operation with Films Boutique. The film was supported by L' Aide Aux Cinémas Du Monde, Centre National Du Cinéma Et De L' image Animée, Institut Français and MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein.

The German distributor Alamode will release the film in German cinemas on December 26, 2024.  Films Boutique is handling international sales. In North America, NEON will release the film nationwide in US cinemas on November 27, 2024.

Mohammad Rasoulof is a director, screenwriter and producer who was born in Iran and has lived in Germany for many years. In 2011, he won the award for Best Director in Cannes for his film GOODBYE (BÉ OMID É DIDAR). In 2020, he won the Golden Bear in Berlin for THERE IS NO EVIL.