Kyiv International Film Festival “Molodist” Names Mohammad Rasoulof as Head of International Competition Jury
The Kyiv International Film Festival "Molodist" has announced the jury for its International competition, appointing renowned Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof as the head of the panel. Rasoulof, celebrated for his resistance to the Iranian regime and his impactful films, was recently honored at the Cannes Film Festival with multiple awards for his latest work, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig".
The announcement comes as Rasoulof continues his fight against the totalitarian government in Iran, a struggle that has led to multiple imprisonments and eventual exile. His films, which have long been banned in Iran, explore themes of resistance and political oppression. His latest feature, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig", set against the backdrop of recent Iranian protests, follows Judge Iman, a figure gripped by paranoia as he imposes draconian measures on his family while Tehran’s political landscape crumbles. The film will be screened at "Molodist" in the Festival of Festivals section.
Rasoulof has gained international recognition for films like "There Is No Evil", which won the Berlinale Golden Bear in 2020, and "A Man of Integrity", awarded the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes in 2017. However, his outspokenness has made him a target for Iran’s authoritarian regime, forcing him to flee the country under the threat of imprisonment and corporal punishment. Despite these challenges, Rasoulof remains committed to his art and the causes he supports, including his solidarity with Ukraine.
Joining Rasoulof on the jury are several prominent figures from the film industry:
- Albert Wiederspiel, the former head of FILMFEST HAMBURG (2003–2023), a respected film scholar, and manager.
- Marija Kavtaradze, a filmmaker known for her work "Slow", which earned her the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival. She is also a participant in this year's Kyiv IFF.
- Anastasiia Karpenko, an actress best known for her lead role in "How is Katia?" by Christina Tynkevych, which won the top prize at last year’s Molodist in the national feature competition.
- Maxym Asadchiy, a Ukrainian film producer credited with over 20 feature and short films, including "Dovbush", "Foster and Max", and "Brothers. The Final Confession".
The Molodist International competition traditionally highlights debut films from emerging directors around the world, offering the winner a prestigious statuette, the "Scythian Deer," along with a cash prize of $5,000, provided by the festival’s main sponsor, the state lottery operator M.S.L.
With an esteemed jury and a diverse selection of films, the 2024 edition of the Kyiv International Film Festival "Molodist" promises to continue its tradition of championing innovative cinema from across the globe.