TIFF 2024: The Seed of the Sacred Fig (With movie trailer in Farsi with French subtitles)
The Seed of the Sacred Fig at TIFF 2024: A Powerful Social Drama with Thrilling Twists
Mohammad Rasoulof is back, and this time he’s turning heads with his latest film, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, which earned the Special Jury Prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Set to make its Canadian Premiere at TIFF 2024, this gripping social drama-turned-thriller has already sparked intense conversations, and it’s not hard to see why.
The Story: A Family Caught in a Political Storm
At the heart of The Seed of the Sacred Fig is Iman (played by Misagh Zare), an ambitious lawyer on the fast track to becoming a revolutionary court judge in Iran. With his new role comes more power, money, and influence — but also strict expectations from the state. As his career takes off, Iman’s wife (the talented Soheila Golestani) and two daughters (played by scene-stealers Setareh Maleki and Mahsa Rostami) are expected to follow suit, conforming to the rigid rules that come with his rise.
But outside their home, the streets of Iran are on fire. Real-life footage from the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini is woven into the film, grounding it in the raw, urgent reality of the moment. Iman’s job? Handing down death sentences to activists. It’s not long before his work and the protests collide, tearing at the seams of his family life and forcing him into a moral crisis.
What starts as a social drama quickly turns into a cat-and-mouse thriller, as Iman must confront the consequences of his decisions — both within his family and in the broader political landscape.
Why You’ll Be Hooked
- A Timely Story: Rasoulof’s film isn’t just a powerful narrative; it’s deeply relevant. The backdrop of real protests and the ongoing fight for women’s rights in Iran make this story feel urgent and necessary. It sheds light on the high stakes of speaking out in a society where dissent is met with brutal consequences.
- Intense Performances: Misagh Zare delivers a nuanced performance as Iman, a man torn between his ambition and his crumbling conscience. Soheila Golestani and the two young actresses who play his daughters add emotional depth, representing the personal toll of Iman’s choices. It’s a family drama that feels painfully real, with tensions simmering just below the surface until they inevitably explode.
- A Thrilling Twist: What starts as a social commentary on the cost of power in a repressive regime transforms into a high-stakes thriller. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending personal and political drama in ways that are as suspenseful as they are thought-provoking.
What Makes The Seed of the Sacred Fig Stand Out
This isn’t just another political drama — Rasoulof weaves together real-life events with a fictional narrative that feels disturbingly authentic. The film’s mix of real protest footage and scripted drama makes it feel less like a movie and more like a window into the lives of those navigating a country in turmoil.
The beauty of The Seed of the Sacred Fig lies in its complexity. Iman is not just a villain or a hero — he’s a man making difficult choices in a world that’s falling apart. The tension between his loyalty to the state and his love for his family drives the film’s emotional core, pulling viewers into the heart of the conflict.
When and Where to Watch The Seed of the Sacred Fig at TIFF 2024
If you’re looking to experience one of the most talked-about films at TIFF 2024, here’s when you can catch The Seed of the Sacred Fig:
- Thursday, September 5 – 2:00 pm at TIFF Lightbox (Press & Industry)
- Wednesday, September 11 – 9:00 pm at TIFF Lightbox
- Thursday, September 12 – 8:45 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Seed of the Sacred Fig isn’t just a movie; it’s a powerful statement about the times we’re living in. It’s a film that shines a spotlight on the price of power, the cost of silence, and the resilience of those fighting for freedom. If you’re a fan of social dramas with a thrilling edge, this is one film at TIFF 2024 you can’t afford to miss.
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