The beauty of resistance

Your new film "There is no evil" is about personal responsibility in an authoritarian regime. Do you know this topic from your own environment?

Mohammad Rasoulof: I started thinking about the topic after I returned to Iran from the "A Man of Integrity" premiere in Cannes in September 2017. My passport was confiscated at the airport by the "Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution" - they are very close to the Iranian government. The film had apparently really upset them, and so the interrogations began. At that time, many people asked me why I had returned to Iran if I had chosen to make films that criticise and expose the systematic corruption in the country. They said it would have been better if I hadn't returned to Iran after "A Man of Integrity". That was really the most frequent statement I heard from people around me at the time. All these appeals made it clear to me that my next film had to be about exactly that: Taking responsibility for one's actions in an authoritarian regime.

How did you come up with the idea of dividing the film into four episodes?

Mohammad Rasoulof:I knew that it would be impossible for me to get the necessary permits for shooting a new film from the censorship office. And so I secretly shot several short films - the four episodes - at various locations in Iran. I very quickly came up with different stories with different characters.

Was there an official casting for the film?

Mohammad Rasoulof:It wasn't exactly easy to find actors for the film. I had an assistant for each episode who looked for the right cast. However, it wasn't about finding actors with special artistic skills or good looks. It was much more important that they could say "no" to censorship and were willing to play in an underground production - of course, this applied not only to the cast but to the entire crew. I was very lucky to work with an incredible team made up of the best people in Iranian cinema. These people are not only the best in their field, but also have a kind of "social vision" that is essential for a work like this. There was an extraordinary sense of connection between myself, the Executive Producers, the actors and the crew in production and also post-production. They all minimised the pressure and difficulties of an underground production for me. A lot of the burden was on their shoulders. I am still in awe of everything they did for this film.

Where and how did you find the locations for the film?

Mohammad Rasoulof: Together with my team, I spent many days exploring the beautiful nature in Iran and looking for locations that suited my ideas. The locations were very carefully selected and designed by my assistants and set designers. It was important to me that my problems in Iran did not affect the quality of the film. I wanted to show that it is possible to say "no" to censorship and at the same time capture the beauty and greatness of such resistance.

What exactly is the connecting element between the episodes?

Mohammad Rasoulof: What connects the stories is the power to choose and the responsibility each character has to the power of the bullies. Our fears make these bullies much bigger than they actually are. Together, the four episodes show that you can lose a lot by saying "no" to tyranny - but end up living a life of fulfilment and beauty, born out of the pain of struggle and resistance. I have experienced that myself.

What does it mean to you that your film "There is no Evil" is celebrating its premiere at the Berlinale 2020?

Mohammad Rasoulof: Participating in the Berlinale increases the chance of reaching a global audience. In Iran, free artistic expression is unfortunately no longer possible due to censorship. But the mere presence of a work of art beyond Iranian borders is proof that, despite this oppression, we are approaching a world without borders. Even though the Iranian government has not allowed me to be present at the premiere at the Berlinale, there is a part of me in the film - and this part will be present at the premiere in the cinema in Berlin.