Mohammad Rasoulof

Mohammad Rasoulof is an Iranian independent filmmaker born on 16 November 1972 in Shiraz, Iran. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology from Shiraz University and later studied film editing at Soore University in Tehran, laying the scholarly foundation for a career that would blend social critique with visual storytelling. Since his debut feature The Twilight in 2002, which earned the Crystal Simorgh for Best First Film, Rasoulof has consistently pushed the boundaries of Iranian cinema, delivering politically charged works such as Iron Island (2005), Goodbye (2011), Manuscripts Don't Burn (2013) and A Man of Integrity (2017), each garnering international accolades and cementing his reputation as a bold auteur. His 2020 film There Is No Evil won the prestigious Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, and in 2025 he was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People, highlighting his impact beyond the screen. Rasoulof's artistic courage has repeatedly brought him into conflict with the Iranian authorities; he has been arrested multiple times, faced passport confiscation, and endured sentences that include imprisonment, bans on travel, and even corporal punishment. The most severe case occurred in May 2024 after his film The Seed of the Sacred Fig was selected for Cannes, leading to an eight‑year prison sentence, fines, and flogging, prompting his dramatic escape to Germany via a 28‑day clandestine journey. Despite living in exile, he continues to create compelling cinema and serves on juries, such as presiding over the New Currents competition at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival. His personal life includes his marriage to actress Rozita Hendijanian and the birth of one child, anchoring a life marked by both artistic triumph and relentless resilience.