The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Les Graines du figuier sauvage in French, Die Saat des heiligen Feigenbaums in German) is a 2024 political thriller drama by acclaimed Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof. This thought-provoking film delves into the life of Iman, an investigating judge in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, as he navigates a world of paranoia, political unrest, and familial conflict.

Cast and Performances

• Missagh Zareh portrays Iman, delivering a nuanced performance as a man torn between duty and conscience.
• Soheila Golestani plays Najmeh, a loyal yet conflicted wife.
• Mahsa Rostami and Setareh Maleki shine as Iman’s rebellious daughters.
  The ensemble cast embodies the film’s intense emotional core, adding depth to its themes of repression and familial disintegration.

Premiere and Reception

The film debuted at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, receiving a Special Jury Award and a lengthy standing ovation. It later screened at prestigious festivals like Telluride, Toronto, and New York, cementing its place as a critical darling. Critics praised the film for its bold narrative and impactful storytelling. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 93% approval rating, with Metacritic assigning a score of 85/100.

Distribution

• France: Released on September 18, 2024, by Pyramide Distribution.
• Germany: Set for release on December 26, 2024, by Alamode Film.
• North America: Neon acquired the distribution rights.

Plot Overview