This film tells a compelling story set within the socio-political landscape of Iran, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals under restrictive regimes.

A timely, heartrending tale set against the backdrop of the “Woman. Life. Freedom” movement in Iran follows a newly promoted investigating judge who, under pressure from his corrupt superiors, is forced to betray his own morals by cracking down on protesters without due process. This fateful decision sets off a chain reaction, as his compliance with the oppressive regime leads to a devastating rift with his wife and two daughters. Tensions escalate when the paranoid father discovers his gun is missing, plunging the family into a slow-burning spiral of fear and distrust.

In the shadow of the Hijab Protests, this powerful drama subtly exposes the insidious impact of the Islamic Republic's chauvinistic and oppressive regime on the private lives of its citizens, with a particular focus on the suffering endured by women. The Seed of the Secret Fig is the latest masterpiece from acclaimed director Mohammad Rasoulof, a filmmaker and political activist whose career has been marked by relentless harassment and censorship by the Iranian authorities. Despite being sentenced to eight years in prison during the making of this film, Rasoulof managed to complete it and flee his homeland just in time for its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where his courage was recognized with a Special Jury Award. – Amir Bogen