Personal details
- Birth Date: 1972-11-16
- Birth Location: Shiraz, Iran
- Children: (1 child) Baran Rasoulof
- Professions: Writer, Producer, Director
Mohammad Rasoulof, born in Shiraz, Iran, back in ‘72, is one of those filmmakers who just refuses to play by the rules—especially when the rules are as strict as they are in Iran. This guy kicked off his career with documentaries and shorts, but it was his debut feature, “Gagooman” (The Twilight, 2002), that really put him on the map, snagging the top prize at the Fajr Film Festival. Not bad for a first-timer, right? But then, after dropping “Jazireh Ahani” (Iron Island, 2005), things got messy. Iranian censors basically slammed the brakes on his work, making it nearly impossible for his films to screen in his own country. It’s wild—none of his five feature films have seen the light of day in Iran, yet they’re racking up awards and applause at international festivals. Early on, Rasoulof leaned into metaphor and symbolism, probably a smart move given the watchful eyes of the authorities. But after 2010? He switched gears, going for a more direct, in-your-face approach—no more hiding behind allegory. That gutsiness landed him in trouble; in March 2010, he was arrested while working on a film with Jafar Panahi and sentenced to six years in prison (later cut to one). He’s still tangled up in legal limbo, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Despite all this, Rasoulof keeps bagging awards—Best Director at Cannes for “Goodbye” in 2011, FIPRESCI Prize for “Manuscripts Don’t Burn” in 2013. Dude’s unstoppable.
In 2021, the 71st Berlin International Film Festival pulled together a pretty dazzling group for its ‘Official Competition’ jury, and, honestly, being on that panel? That’s a big deal. The Berlinale is one of those festivals that filmmakers and movie buffs kind of worship, so sitting on its main jury is like being handed the keys to the city—cinematically speaking. The jury members aren’t just there to smile for the cameras; they actually watch a wild number of films, debate over coffee (or maybe something stronger), and decide which ones walk away with the top prizes. It’s a gig that can get a little heated, too, because everyone’s got strong opinions, and nobody wants to give the Golden Bear to something forgettable. Plus, 2021 was smack in the middle of the pandemic, so the whole thing had to adapt, making the jury’s role even trickier. Basically, if you’re on the jury, you’re right at the heart of the action.
November 16, 1972
Konidela Ram Charan
Shiraz, Iran
Yes, Baran Rasoulof
52 years old