The origin of the sacred fig tree's seed. - This represents the German submission for the Oscars.
Muhammad Rasoulof's (51) "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" is the German contender in the Oscars category "Best Foreign Film." This was disclosed by German Films, the organization representing German cinema globally. The selection was made by a nine-member jury, led by actor and jury president Ulrich Matthes (65), who reviewed 13 submitted films.
A "skilfully crafted and intensely moving film"
The jury's statement highlights that the film "subtly portrays the fissures within a family, symbolizing the fractures in Iranian society," and it is a "skilfully crafted and intensely moving film with scenes that will leave an indelible impression."
The director recently relocated to Germany. They praise it as an "excellent piece" and are "delighted" to learn that Rasoulof is secure in their nation. They also anticipate him representing Germany at the Oscars in 2025.
Rasoulof's film debuted at this year's Cannes Film Festival, where the director received the Jury Prize. Alamode, the German distributor, describes "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" as "a fierce and uncensored indictment of Iran's unjust regime, presented as a riveting, breathless political thriller and featuring raw, genuine images of the protests in autumn 2022 that rocked the nation to its core." The German cinema premiere is scheduled for December 26, 2024.
The Oscar schedule
The 97th Academy Awards will be held on March 2, 2025 in Los Angeles. German Films anticipates that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will publish a list of all submissions in the "Best Foreign Film" category in early November. A shortlist of 15 titles will then be released in mid-December. Five films will be chosen from this shortlist and nominated for the International Feature Film Oscar. This selection will be announced in mid-January.
Rasoulof, being delighted with his film's recognition, expresses his eagerness to represent Germany at the Oscars 2025. The Oscars 2025 schedule, as announced, includes the announcement of nominations for the "Best Foreign Film" category in mid-January, which could potentially include "The Seed of the Sacred Fig."
