"Kyiv reminds me of Tehran": Iranian director who fled from his home for 28 days shares his impressions of Ukraine

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, whose film The Seed of the Sacred Fig received a record 13-minute applause in Cannes and was sentenced to 8 years in prison in his home country for violating censorship, visited Ukraine. The film industry representative, who had to flee his home through the mountains for 28 days to avoid government harassment, took part in the opening of the Molodist Film Festival and shared his first impressions of our country.

The director shared his thoughts about Ukraine and the story of his forced evacuation in an interview for 1+1 Breakfast. The Iranian noted that he was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality of the citizens.

"I'm delighted. The atmosphere here (in Ukraine - Ed.) is absolutely cozy. I was very cordially received. Kyiv reminds me of my Tehran," the director said.

Mohammad Rasulof shared his experience of leaving Iran. He emphasized that he did not flee the country in the first place, but from the Islamic regime and persecution. According to the creator of the film Seeds of the Sacred Fig, if he had not made this decision, he would have been imprisoned for 8 years and become a "slave to censorship". He admitted that he used his personal connections to realize his plan.

"My journey lasted 28 days, though I didn't manage to escape the first time. At one border I was not allowed to cross, and at the other I crossed with the help of an acquaintance. I was simultaneously worried about my escape, about the movie, and about the fate of my colleagues, because most of them remained in Iran," the cultural activist said.

Mohammad Rasoulof admitted that despite all the oppression of the current regime, he would like to return to his native country. It is difficult for him to imagine his existence outside of Iran, and he would like to "live out his life" at home. However, now Rasulof has the opportunity to distribute his film at global platforms, including the Molodist festival.

"I am grateful to the Ukrainian people for their hospitality. I am glad that I can show my solidarity in this way," said the Iranian.

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