Today, Explained The messiest Oscars category
20 snips
Feb 28, 2025 
Mohammad Rasulaf, an Iranian filmmaker, shares insights from his secretive project 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig,' highlighting the struggles of cinema under Iran's oppressive regime. Joined by Vulture.com writer Nate Jones, they discuss the intricacies of the Oscars' International Film category, revealing the challenges of representation and the restrictive submission rules. Amid tales of resilience and censorship, they explore the need for reform in how international films are recognized, sparking a vibrant conversation on the evolving landscape of global cinema.
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Secret Filming in Iran
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig was filmed secretly in Iran with Iranian actors and an Iranian director.
- It's Germany's submission for Best International Film because the director, Mohammad Rasulof, is in exile and post-production happened in Germany.
Remote Directing from Exile
- Mohammad Rasulof, director of The Seed of the Sacred Fig, was imprisoned in Iran for his previous films and social media posts.
- He directed the film remotely while in exile, communicating with the crew through sound and two assistants.
Challenges in Best International Film Category
- The Best International Film category presents several challenges, including each country submitting only one film and selection committees often influenced by government interests.
- This can lead to films critical of certain governments being excluded unless they are co-produced by another country.
