Cannes 2024 – “The seeds of the wild figure” by Mohammad Rasoulof wins the Prix Fipresci
The jury of the International Federation of Cinematographic Press, composed of Marcelo Janot (Brazil), Max Borg (Switzerland), Hossein Eidizadeh (Iran), Patrick Fey (Germany), Barbara Gasser (Austria), Sadia Khalid (Bangladesh), Chih-Yuan Liang (France), Laura Pertuy (France) (Taiwan), has returned his verdict today: the Fipresci Prize returns to the film The seeds of the wild fig by Mohammad Rasoulof, probably ahead of the official charts.
This is the third time that Rasoulof has won this award. In 2013Manuscripts do not burn had been presented at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. The film, which won the Fipresci Prize, had caused many problems to its director when he returned to Iran.
The seeds of the wild figpresented in competition, is a courageous story taking place in modern Iran, approaching the conflict between tradition and progress in a very powerful and imaginative way.
“” It was not until the last day that a film in competition literally shares Cannes, and I am not talking about the absurdity of counting the minutes of applause after the projection, as if it was a measure of the quality of the sessions where the filmmakers are present “Said the president of the jury, Marcelo Janot, about the victory of Mohammad Rasoulof.
“” We can list many reasons for which the simple presence of the film in competition is historic in itself. Rasoulof managed to flee the country last month in an epic way, crossing the mountainous border on foot and going in exile in Germany. And here we find an element that contemporary Iranian cinema manages so well: an episode of mystery triggers a series of conflicts which will reveal a network of lies, paranoia, hypocrisy, prejudices and everything that suits to describe the psychological effect of life in such a society. This is described in a very powerful and imaginative way. »»
Since his first yesterday at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, all give The seeds of the wild fig Like the film that will win the Palme d’Or. Only two hours only and we will know if the jury of the official competition shares everyone’s opinion.
Recognition of The seeds of the wild fig By the Jury Fipresci underlines the importance of cinema as a means of denunciation and reflection on complex social realities. This prize, beyond its prestige, represents essential support for engaged filmmakers like Mohammad Rasoulof, who brave the dangers to bring necessary and overwhelming stories to the screen.
Neïla Driss
