Cannes Film Festival

Iranian Filmmaker Fledges to Europe Ahead of Cannes Premiere Following Prison Sentence

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has reportedly fled his home country and arrived in Europe, ahead of the premiere of his latest film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" at the Cannes Film Festival. According to a statement from Rasoulof, he made the decision to escape Iran after learning that his eight-year prison sentence would be implemented on short notice. His lawyer had previously informed him of the sentence, which was handed down last week. It is common in Iran for defendants to receive their sentences while still outside of prison. In a separate statement, Rasoulof expressed gratitude to those who helped him escape and noted that his departure was motivated by a desire to preserve Iranian culture, which he believes continues to thrive despite the challenges faced by his country.
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