The feature film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig Tree" by Mohammad Rasoulof (Run Way Pictures) will represent Germany at the 97th Academy Awards®. on 2 March 2025 in the category "Best International Feature Film". This decision has according to press release was made by an independent jury of experts appointed by German Films. A total of 13 films were submitted for selection.

After viewing all the films submitted on 21 and 22 August in Munich, the nine-member jury headed by jury spokesman Ulrich Matthes (Deutsche Filmakademie e.V.) selected the drama as the German Oscar® nominee.

The jury's reasoning was:

"The Seeds of the Sacred Fig Tree" is a psychological portrait of the Iranian theocracy, which is built on violence and paranoia. Mohammad Rasoulof subtly tells of the rifts within a family that are representative of the rifts in Iranian society itself. A masterfully directed and movingly acted film that finds scenes that linger in the memory. The two rebellious daughters symbolise the courageous women of Iran and their self-sacrificing fight against the patriarchs of their families and their state. It is an outstanding work by one of the great directors of world cinema, who has found refuge in Germany from the state despotism in Iran. We are very happy that Rasoulof is safe in our country. And we are delighted that he will be representing Germany at the Oscars® in 2025."

The film celebrated its world premiere in competition at this year's Cannes Film Festival, where it received the Special Jury Prize, the FIPRESCI Award, the European Arthouse Cinema Award (AFCAE), the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and the Prix François Chalais for Best Film. The film was awarded the Audience Award in Sydney and is now also being shown at other film festivals such as Locarno, Toronto, San Sebastian and at important autumn festivals in the USA. "The Seed of the Sacred Fig Tree" is also on the shortlist for the European Film Awards.

The film was produced by Run Way Pictures in co-production with Parallel45, ARTE France Cinéma and with the participation of ARTE France and in collaboration with Films Boutique. It 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.

German distributor Alamode will release the film in German cinemas on 26 December 2024.

All further information and the full press release here.
Source: German Films