Locarno Pro Awards: ‘Nina Roza' By Canadian Filmmaker Geneviève Dulude-De Celles Leads Winners
The film, produced by Colonelle films (Canada), won the Urban Post First Look Award, covering post-production services up to CHF 50,000, and the Jannuzzi Smith Award, covering the design of an international poster worth € 10,000.
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The film's co-producers include Umi Films (Italy), Echo Bravo (Belgium), Ginger Light (Bulgaria), and Premier Studio (Bulgaria). Discussing the film, the Locarno pro jury said: 'This film stood out for its beautiful integration of music and art, its performances, and a captivating narrative that explores identity, exile, and the idea of home and family. The Urban Post First Look Award goes to 'Nina Roza' by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles.'
The Music Library &SFX/Acorde Award , worth € 45,000 in music supervision services at Music Library & SFX's labs, went to Thanks To The Hard Work Of The Elephants by Bryce Hodgson. The film is produced by Coukuma (Canada) and Harrington Studio (Canada).
Both the Cineground Award, worth CHF 15,000 in image finishing services, and Le Film Français Award, worth € 5,600 of advertising space, went to Lunar Sway by Nick Butler. The film is produced by Cloudy Pictures (Canada).
Elsewhere, Letter From My Village (1975) by Safi Faye won the third edition of the Locarno Heritage Restoration Contest. The film, represented by Arsenal – Institut für Film und Videokunst e.V., and chosen from over 30 applications from around the world, will receive a full restoration by Cinegrell. The newly restored version will be shown at the Locarno Film Festival 2026.
The jury for the Locarno Heritage Restoration Contest, composed of Bernardo Rondeau (Freelance Programmer), Nicole T. Allemann (Head of Film Restoration & Lab, Cinegrell) and Leon van Hee (EYE Film institute), said of the film: 'On the 50th anniversary of its release, we want to honor Letter From My Village, the groundbreaking debut by pioneering Senegalese filmmaker Safi Faye. Thanks to this restoration, this powerful and poetic first feature will now be rediscovered by new generations. With this choice, we celebrate not only the film's enduring relevance but also the legacy of a woman who paved the way for African cinema.'
Scroll down for the full list of this evening's winners. Locarno ends on August 16.
FIRST LOOK
Urban Post First Look Award
Up to € 50,000 in post-production services
· Nina Roza by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, produced by Colonelle films (Canada), coproduced by Umi Films (Italy), Echo Bravo (Belgium), Ginger Light (Bulgaria), Premier Studio (Bulgaria), Sales agent Best Friend Forever, Fiction
Jury statement: 'This film stood out for its beautiful integration of music and art, its performances and a captivating narrative that explores identity, exile and the idea of home and family. The Urban Post First Look Award goes to 'Nina Roza' by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles.'
Music Library &SFX/Acorde Award
€ 45,000 in music supervision services at Music Library &SFX 's labs
· Thanks To The Hard Work Of The Elephants by Bryce Hodgson, produced by Coukuma (Canada) and Harrington Studio (Canada), Fiction
Cineground Award
CHF 15,000 in image finishing services
· Lunar Sway by Nick Butler, produced by Cloudy Pictures (Canada), Fiction
Jannuzzi Smith Award
The design of an international poster worth € 10,000.
· Nina Roza by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, produced by Colonelle films (Canada), coproduced by Umi Films (Italy), Echo Bravo (Belgium), Ginger Light (Bulgaria), Premier Studio (Bulgaria), Sales agent Best Friend Forever, Fiction
Le Film Français Award
€ 5,600 of advertising space
· Lunar Sway by Nick Butler, produced by Cloudy Pictures (Canada), Fiction
SPANISH PREVIEWS
Antaviana Spanish Previews Award
A voucher worth € 10,000, including editing rooms, color grading suites, sound mix rooms and final deliveries.
· Lóngquán: The Dragon Spring (Lóngquán: el Manantial del Dragón) by Adrià Guxens, produced by La Charito Films (Spain), coproduced by Anna Moragriega Farrés (Pausa Dramática Films, Spain)
ALLIANCE 4 DEVELOPMENT
Masé Studio Award CHF 3,000 cash voucher
· Chocolat amer (Dark Chocolate) by Valentin Merz produced by Marie Lanne-Chesnot (Andrea Film, Switzerland)
Masé Studio Post-Production Award CHF 25,000 in post-production services
· Im Verborgenen (In the Hidden) by Goran Rebić, produced by Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu and Bady Minck (Amour Fou Vienna and Amour Fou Luxembourg)
Masé Studio Post-Production Special Award CHF 10,000 in post-production services at the Masé studios, valid for 5 years
· Neige (Snow) by Jenna Hasse, produced by Olivier Zobrist (Langfilm, Switzerland)
Alphapanda Market Breakout Award
Consultancy services in the value of € 3,500
· Das Blühen einer Chimäre (The Flowering of a Chimera) by Simon Maria Kubiena, produced by Elli Leeb & Fabian Leonhardt (Chimera Film, Austria)
Alphapanda states: 'This is a radical film that explores rarely addressed topics in order to dig deep into the human soul. Thanks to a talented director with a clear artistic vision, we are convinced that this film will have a strong impact, both on audiences and on the industry. We look forward to seeing it on a big screen at a major festival very soon.'
Special Mention
· Primo Viaggio by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman, produced by Nanni Moretti and Benedetta Barroero (Sacher Film, Italy)
Script Consultancy Residency at DreamAgo offered by the Valais Film Commission
Worth CHF 5,000
· Najma et Salomé (Najma and Salomé) by Anne Zinn-Justin, produced by Clémentine Mourão-Ferreira (so-cle, France)
Pascale Rey (DreamAgo) and Tristan Albrecht (Valais Film Commission) state: 'A village with two communities that don't really get along sees its future threatened by recurring illnesses. This is the starting point for an alliance between two women determined to shed light on these strange events. DreamAgo and the Valais Film Commission are delighted to offer screenwriter and director Anne Zinn-Justin a script doctoring session with Sir Christopher Hampton for her project Najma and Salomé — a story with the feel of a firmly rooted modern western that resonates in a universal way!'
MIDPOINT Consulting Award
An in-depth online script consultancy with one of the MIDPOINT Institute experts
· Das Blühen einer Chimäre (The Flowering of a Chimera) by Simon Maria Kubiena, produced by Elli Leeb & Fabian Leonhardt (Chimera Film, Austria)
MIDPOINT states: 'MIDPOINT Institute is proud to support a project that dares to explore the complex aftermath of violence without judgment, offering a path toward understanding and healing. For its courageous thematic approach, emotional depth, and promise of a distinct new voice in cinema, the MIDPOINT Consulting Award goes to 'Das Blühen einer Chimäre (The Flowering of a Chimera)' by Simon Maria Kubiena.'
Ticino Film Commission Residence Award
A 2-day location scout (worth CHF 4,000) and Letter of Intent (LOI) for financial support for the production company (worth up to CHF 12,000), if all or part of the film will be shot in Ticino
· Solastalgia by Yosr Gasmi and Mauro Mazzocchi, produced by Ivan Casagrande Conti, Tommaso Santambrogio (Chiotto Film, Italy) and ismaël (Utopia Films, Tunisia)
Jury statement: 'Here in our very own region, in Ticino, we know only too well the lingering feeling that accompanies the changing of our landscape, the gradual loss of glaciers and the places we used to visit or inhabit. For this reason, we're happy to be able to support a duo of talented young filmmakers by helping them find the best locations to express their singular vision of 'Solastalgia'.'
LOCARNO HERITAGE RESTORATION CONTEST
· Letter From My Village (1975) by Safi Faye
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Locarno Open Doors: Nigerian, Zimbabwean & Ivorian Projects Among Winners
The main award of the Open Doors initiative at this year's Locarno Film Festival was shared by three projects: Black Snake, directed by Naishe Nyamubaya (Zimbabwe); Kachifo, directed by Dika Ofoma; and Diary of a Goat Woman, directed by Azata Soro (Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso). The award is traditionally a CHF 50,000 grant sponsored by visions sud est and the City of Bellinzona. Black Snake received CHF 25,000, Kachifo landed CHF 20,000, and Diary of a Goat Woman was handed CHF 5,000. More from Deadline Mohammad Rasoulof On Why He Isn't In A Rush To Follow Up 'The Seed Of The Sacred Fig' & His Plans To Return To Iran - Locarno Locarno Pro Awards: 'Nina Roza' By Canadian Filmmaker Geneviève Dulude-De Celles Leads Winners Jackie Chan Says New Hollywood Movies Lack Quality Because Studios Focus Too Much On Money: "They're Not Filmmakers, They're Business Guys" - Locarno Kachifo also won the ARTEKino International Award, worth € 6,000, and the Sørfond Award, which includes an invitation to participate in the Sørfond pitching event in November. Les Bilokos (The Bilokos), directed by Erickey Bahati (DR Congo, France), won the € 8,000 CNC Development Grant. The four prizes above were selected by the Open Doors Projects Jury. The jury consisted of Madeline Robert (Manager, visions sud est), John Canciani (Artistic Director, Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur), Lucie Garnier (CNC Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée, DEENTAL-ACP Programme Manager), Julie Savary (ARTE France, Head of Projects) and Ana-Marija Grøndahl (Films from the South, Head of Production). Scroll down for the full list of Doors Grant A total of CHF 50,000 sponsored by visions sud est (with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), the City of Bellinzona and the Open Doors initiative. CHF 25,000 to , directed by Naishe Nyamubaya, produced by Sue-Ellen Chitunya (Zimbabwe) Jury statement: 'A captivating story that explores identity, secrecy, and spiritual legacy through a sensitive and powerful creative vision. Anchored in landscapes and a cultural world rarely seen on screen, and driven by compelling characters, this project holds immense promise. The jury is proud to honor this bold and singular work from Zimbabwe: 'Black Snake' by Naishe Nyamubaya' CHF 20,000 to , directed by Dika Ofoma, produced by Blessing Uzzi (Nigeria) Jury statement: 'The award goes to a film with an original narrative structure, where two layers are closely connected. Through a parallel storyline, we gradually approach the revelation of a connection that will unfold over time. We are excited by the complex and challenging approach taken, which will require further work to fully realize. We look forward to seeing this film about love on the big screen soon.' CHF 5,000 to , directed by Azata Soro, produced by Nameïta Lica Touré (Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso) Jury statement: 'This powerful and poetic project confronts silence, tradition, and trauma. Through the journey of a woman who refuses submission, it gives voice to what is often left unsaid. The jury is proud to support a deeply personal reflection on transmission and resistance.' CNC Development Grant € 8,000 for development provided by CNC – Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée , directed by Erickey Bahati, produced by Giresse Kassonga (DR Congo, France) Statement: 'By awarding the CNC grant to the documentary project 'Les Bilokos', directed by Erickey Bahati, the jury aims to support the development of a unique project driven by a strong narrative and human ambition. In a context where representations of the war in the DRC are rare, the film offers a new perspective on this conflict, shedding light on the resilience of former combatants who are now rebuilding their lives in Goma, a city still scarred and shaken by war. The artistic potential of the project also lies in the director's constant concern to consider the ethical issues that his cinematic approach may raise and how they may impact the direction.' ARTEKino International Award € 6,000 for development provided by ARTEKino , directed by Dika Ofoma, produced by Blessing Uzzi (Nigeria) Statement: 'The Arte Kino International Award goes to a bold and poetic first feature by a promising film director: a plaidoyer for true love – the quintessential subject of cinema – across time and above all borders.' Sørfond Award Participation in the project to the Sørfond pitching event in November including travel and accommodation. , directed by Dika Ofoma, produced by Blessing Uzzi (Nigeria) Statement: ''Kachifo' is a poetic, visually and narratively ambitious project. It impresses us through the director's passionate commitment to tell the story about undying love that holds through lifetimes despite cultural and religious opposition, as homosexual relationships are still taboo and widely rejected in Nigeria.' Tabakalera-San Sebastian Film Festival Residency Award A residency in Tabakalera and taking part in the industry activities of the San Sebastian Film Festival, given in collaboration with the International Culture Center Tabakalera and San Sebastian Film Festival. Yannick Mizero Kabano (Imitana productions, Rwanda), participant Open Doors Producers Statement: 'For producing film projects rooted in their territory but with a universal vocation; for fostering the creation of a national film industry through mentoring and training programs; and for proposing complete cycles of film support from creation to exhibition, the award goes to Yannick Mizero Kabano.' MECAS Award Participation in the International Market for Almost-Finished Films (MECAS), with the opportunity for personalized meetings and networking, including travel and accommodation costs. The next edition of MECAS will take place in Gran Canaria in April 2026. June Wairegi (Giza Visuals, Kenia) Statement: 'Our chosen producer is developing a line of independent projects that we find courageous and inspiring. She conveys creativity, sense of initiative and a vision that connects with us. We hope that June Wairegi finds in MECAS a beautiful and useful space.' Open Doors – OIF – ACP – EU Award A development grant for the value of 2'500 Euros. Yannick Mizero Kabano (Imitana productions, Rwanda), participant Open Doors Producers Statement: 'The prize is for a production company handled by a dynamic and talented new generation of Rwandan producers: Imitana productions represented today in Open Doors by Yannick Mizero Kabano' Rotterdam Lab Award Provided by the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). 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Locarno Pro Awards: ‘Nina Roza' By Canadian Filmmaker Geneviève Dulude-De Celles Leads Winners
Nina Roza, a feature by filmmaker Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, led the winners at this year's Locarno Pro awards, taking two gongs. The film, produced by Colonelle films (Canada), won the Urban Post First Look Award, covering post-production services up to CHF 50,000, and the Jannuzzi Smith Award, covering the design of an international poster worth € 10,000. More from Deadline Jackie Chan Says New Hollywood Movies Lack Quality Because Studios Focus Too Much On Money: "They're Not Filmmakers, They're Business Guys" - Locarno 'Nova '78' Review: William S. Burroughs Takes Center Stage In An Immersive, Arty New York Time Capsule - Locarno Film Festival Jackie Chan Fever Hits Locarno As Veteran Actor Accepts Honorary Award & Toasts To The Future: "I Can Still Fight" The film's co-producers include Umi Films (Italy), Echo Bravo (Belgium), Ginger Light (Bulgaria), and Premier Studio (Bulgaria). Discussing the film, the Locarno pro jury said: 'This film stood out for its beautiful integration of music and art, its performances, and a captivating narrative that explores identity, exile, and the idea of home and family. The Urban Post First Look Award goes to 'Nina Roza' by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles.' The Music Library &SFX/Acorde Award , worth € 45,000 in music supervision services at Music Library & SFX's labs, went to Thanks To The Hard Work Of The Elephants by Bryce Hodgson. The film is produced by Coukuma (Canada) and Harrington Studio (Canada). Both the Cineground Award, worth CHF 15,000 in image finishing services, and Le Film Français Award, worth € 5,600 of advertising space, went to Lunar Sway by Nick Butler. The film is produced by Cloudy Pictures (Canada). Elsewhere, Letter From My Village (1975) by Safi Faye won the third edition of the Locarno Heritage Restoration Contest. The film, represented by Arsenal – Institut für Film und Videokunst e.V., and chosen from over 30 applications from around the world, will receive a full restoration by Cinegrell. The newly restored version will be shown at the Locarno Film Festival 2026. The jury for the Locarno Heritage Restoration Contest, composed of Bernardo Rondeau (Freelance Programmer), Nicole T. Allemann (Head of Film Restoration & Lab, Cinegrell) and Leon van Hee (EYE Film institute), said of the film: 'On the 50th anniversary of its release, we want to honor Letter From My Village, the groundbreaking debut by pioneering Senegalese filmmaker Safi Faye. Thanks to this restoration, this powerful and poetic first feature will now be rediscovered by new generations. With this choice, we celebrate not only the film's enduring relevance but also the legacy of a woman who paved the way for African cinema.' Scroll down for the full list of this evening's winners. Locarno ends on August 16. FIRST LOOK Urban Post First Look Award Up to € 50,000 in post-production services · Nina Roza by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, produced by Colonelle films (Canada), coproduced by Umi Films (Italy), Echo Bravo (Belgium), Ginger Light (Bulgaria), Premier Studio (Bulgaria), Sales agent Best Friend Forever, Fiction Jury statement: 'This film stood out for its beautiful integration of music and art, its performances and a captivating narrative that explores identity, exile and the idea of home and family. The Urban Post First Look Award goes to 'Nina Roza' by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles.' Music Library &SFX/Acorde Award € 45,000 in music supervision services at Music Library &SFX 's labs · Thanks To The Hard Work Of The Elephants by Bryce Hodgson, produced by Coukuma (Canada) and Harrington Studio (Canada), Fiction Cineground Award CHF 15,000 in image finishing services · Lunar Sway by Nick Butler, produced by Cloudy Pictures (Canada), Fiction Jannuzzi Smith Award The design of an international poster worth € 10,000. · Nina Roza by Geneviève Dulude-De Celles, produced by Colonelle films (Canada), coproduced by Umi Films (Italy), Echo Bravo (Belgium), Ginger Light (Bulgaria), Premier Studio (Bulgaria), Sales agent Best Friend Forever, Fiction Le Film Français Award € 5,600 of advertising space · Lunar Sway by Nick Butler, produced by Cloudy Pictures (Canada), Fiction SPANISH PREVIEWS Antaviana Spanish Previews Award A voucher worth € 10,000, including editing rooms, color grading suites, sound mix rooms and final deliveries. · Lóngquán: The Dragon Spring (Lóngquán: el Manantial del Dragón) by Adrià Guxens, produced by La Charito Films (Spain), coproduced by Anna Moragriega Farrés (Pausa Dramática Films, Spain) ALLIANCE 4 DEVELOPMENT Masé Studio Award CHF 3,000 cash voucher · Chocolat amer (Dark Chocolate) by Valentin Merz produced by Marie Lanne-Chesnot (Andrea Film, Switzerland) Masé Studio Post-Production Award CHF 25,000 in post-production services · Im Verborgenen (In the Hidden) by Goran Rebić, produced by Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu and Bady Minck (Amour Fou Vienna and Amour Fou Luxembourg) Masé Studio Post-Production Special Award CHF 10,000 in post-production services at the Masé studios, valid for 5 years · Neige (Snow) by Jenna Hasse, produced by Olivier Zobrist (Langfilm, Switzerland) Alphapanda Market Breakout Award Consultancy services in the value of € 3,500 · Das Blühen einer Chimäre (The Flowering of a Chimera) by Simon Maria Kubiena, produced by Elli Leeb & Fabian Leonhardt (Chimera Film, Austria) Alphapanda states: 'This is a radical film that explores rarely addressed topics in order to dig deep into the human soul. Thanks to a talented director with a clear artistic vision, we are convinced that this film will have a strong impact, both on audiences and on the industry. We look forward to seeing it on a big screen at a major festival very soon.' Special Mention · Primo Viaggio by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman, produced by Nanni Moretti and Benedetta Barroero (Sacher Film, Italy) Script Consultancy Residency at DreamAgo offered by the Valais Film Commission Worth CHF 5,000 · Najma et Salomé (Najma and Salomé) by Anne Zinn-Justin, produced by Clémentine Mourão-Ferreira (so-cle, France) Pascale Rey (DreamAgo) and Tristan Albrecht (Valais Film Commission) state: 'A village with two communities that don't really get along sees its future threatened by recurring illnesses. This is the starting point for an alliance between two women determined to shed light on these strange events. DreamAgo and the Valais Film Commission are delighted to offer screenwriter and director Anne Zinn-Justin a script doctoring session with Sir Christopher Hampton for her project Najma and Salomé — a story with the feel of a firmly rooted modern western that resonates in a universal way!' MIDPOINT Consulting Award An in-depth online script consultancy with one of the MIDPOINT Institute experts · Das Blühen einer Chimäre (The Flowering of a Chimera) by Simon Maria Kubiena, produced by Elli Leeb & Fabian Leonhardt (Chimera Film, Austria) MIDPOINT states: 'MIDPOINT Institute is proud to support a project that dares to explore the complex aftermath of violence without judgment, offering a path toward understanding and healing. For its courageous thematic approach, emotional depth, and promise of a distinct new voice in cinema, the MIDPOINT Consulting Award goes to 'Das Blühen einer Chimäre (The Flowering of a Chimera)' by Simon Maria Kubiena.' Ticino Film Commission Residence Award A 2-day location scout (worth CHF 4,000) and Letter of Intent (LOI) for financial support for the production company (worth up to CHF 12,000), if all or part of the film will be shot in Ticino · Solastalgia by Yosr Gasmi and Mauro Mazzocchi, produced by Ivan Casagrande Conti, Tommaso Santambrogio (Chiotto Film, Italy) and ismaël (Utopia Films, Tunisia) Jury statement: 'Here in our very own region, in Ticino, we know only too well the lingering feeling that accompanies the changing of our landscape, the gradual loss of glaciers and the places we used to visit or inhabit. For this reason, we're happy to be able to support a duo of talented young filmmakers by helping them find the best locations to express their singular vision of 'Solastalgia'.' 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Mohammad Rasoulof On Why He Isn't In A Rush To Follow Up ‘The Seed Of The Sacred Fig' & His Plans To Return To Iran — Locarno
Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof says he is in no rush to set his next project following his Oscar-nominated drama The Seed of the Sacred Fig. But he may return to his native country sooner rather than later after more than a year in exile. The veteran dissident filmmaker spoke with Deadline on Monday afternoon at the Locarno Film Festival, where he made a surprise appearance to receive a new humanitarian award. More from Deadline Oscars: Germany Submits Mohammad Rasoulof's 'The Seed Of The Sacred Fig' For International Feature Film Race Mohammad Rasoulof Reveals How He Covertly Made 'The Seed Of The Sacred Fig', Risking His Life And His Freedom Locarno Pro Awards: 'Nina Roza' By Canadian Filmmaker Geneviève Dulude-De Celles Leads Winners Rasoulof is the first recipient of the Locarno City of Peace Award, created by the City of Locarno in collaboration with the festival. The award was established, the festival said in a statement, to 'honor figures from the cultural space who have distinguished themselves in promoting peace, diplomacy, and dialogue among peoples.' The jury for the first edition of the prize included Ruth Dreifuss, former President of the Swiss Confederation; Laura Sadis, member of the Assembly of the International Committee of the Red Cross; Marco Solari, Honorary President of the Locarno Film Festival; Raphaël Brunschwig, CEO of the Locarno Film Festival; and Nicola Pini, Mayor of the City of Locarno. Discussing Rasoulof, Locarno head Giona A. Nazzaro described the filmmaker's work as 'one of the highest and most accomplished expressions of a humanism that lucidly takes shape in the form of an exemplary cinematic gesture.' 'Resisiting the temptation to oversimplify the painful contradictions that afflict the relationship between institutions, power, and individuals, Rasoulof has, over the course of his exemplary career, created a body of work that stands as a hymn to human dignity,' Nazzaro said. Rasoulof screened The Seed of the Sacred Fig on the Piazza Grande at last year's Locarno Film Festival following a debut bow in Competition at Cannes. At that time, Rasoulof was only months into his exile in Europe after fleeing Iran to avoid a brutal eight-year prison sentence for covert filmmaking. Rasoulof has been living in Berlin since then. 'The Iran I left is very different from the Iran today. So much has happened since then,' Rasoulof explained through an interpreter. Below, the filmmaker speaks to us about his plans to return to Iran, the current legal status of his Seed of the Sacred Fig actors who were unable to leave Iran, and his life in Europe. Locarno ends August 16. DEADLINE: The Seed of the Sacred Fig MOHAMMAD RASOULOF: I feel like a father whose daughter has just gotten married and is wondering how to move on. Right now, I'm writing a script. I also recently worked on a play in Berlin, which toured with actresses from The Seed of the Sacred Fig. I've since received numerous job offers, so I'm not worried. I don't want to rush my next film, especially considering everything that has been happening inside Iran. DEADLINE: RASOULOF: The Iran I left is very different from the Iran today. So much has happened since then. When I left, I had an eight-year prison sentence, which would have stopped me from making films for a long time, so I was very keen on staying in Europe and making films. But the situation is so fast-changing in Iran. Now, my ability to return and work as a filmmaker there may actually happen sooner than I was anticipating. The Iranian parliament has just approved a law that abolishes prison sentences for those who had to leave Iran illegally. So the situation has already improved. DEADLINE: RASOULOF: It's been exceptional. I'm extremely happy to be in Germany. I feel safe. I have a profound sense of safety, which I did not have in Iran. Berlin is a fascinating city with an exceptional cultural offering, so it's interesting to live there. But there's one major problem: When I open a bottle of water to drink, for instance, I immediately think of the people in Iran who don't have drinking water at the moment. Or when it rains in Berlin, I think of the drought that has been affecting Iran so badly. It's a strange feeling. You're living this very comfortable life, but then all of a sudden, your heart is broken. DEADLINE: Seed of the Sacred Fig RASOULOF: The actors were sentenced to prison, but the extraordinary lawyers working on the case are trying to convert the prison sentences into an agreement whereby they would be able to pay fines instead of actually going to prison. DEADLINE: ? RASOULOF: There is an amazing group of artists working inside Iran at the moment, who have not yet been discovered by the international world. A number of them are filmmakers working in a very specific way on subjects that do not seem political at first, particularly around daily life in Iran. So I'm very excited for the work to be seen by the world. I'm optimistic. Best of Deadline Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media 'The Boys' Season 5: Everything We Know So Far Solve the daily Crossword
