Report: Film Director Mohammad Rasoulof Fled Iran on Foot

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof poses on May 19, 2017 during a photocall for the film “Lerd” (A Man of Integrity) at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (AFP)
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof poses on May 19, 2017 during a photocall for the film “Lerd” (A Man of Integrity) at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (AFP)
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Report: Film Director Mohammad Rasoulof Fled Iran on Foot

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof poses on May 19, 2017 during a photocall for the film “Lerd” (A Man of Integrity) at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (AFP)
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof poses on May 19, 2017 during a photocall for the film “Lerd” (A Man of Integrity) at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (AFP)

Film director Mohammad Rasoulof made an "exhausting and extremely dangerous" walk across a mountainous borderland in order to avoid being jailed in Iran on national security charges, he told the Guardian newspaper.

Rasoulof said Monday he had fled Iran after a court sentenced him to eight years in jail, of which five were due to be served, over his new film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig".

The leading Iranian film-maker, often a target of the country's authorities, told the Guardian in an interview published Friday that he had found shelter in Germany and was hopeful he could attend the film's Cannes premiere next week.

The film tells the story of a judge's struggles amid political unrest in Tehran.

Rasoulof told the UK newspaper that he had "no choice" but to leave, although he expects to return home "quite soon".

"My mission is to be able to convey the narratives of what is going on in Iran and the situation in which we are stuck as Iranians," said Rasoulof.

"This is something that I cannot do in prison.

"I have in mind the idea that I'll be back quite soon, but I think that's the case of all the Iranians who have left the country," he added.

Rasoulof has already served two terms in Iranian jails over previous films and had his passport withdrawn in 2017.

Having decided to leave, Rasoulof told the newspaper he cut all communications via mobile phones and computers and made his way by foot on a secret route to a border crossing.

"It was a several-hour long, exhausting and extremely dangerous walk that I had to do with a guide," he said.

After staying in a safe house, he contacted German authorities who provided him with papers that enabled him to travel to Europe.



Manga Arabia Partners with Japan's Coamix to Translate Popular Works into Arabic 

The partnership aims to provide high-quality content that respects local culture while meeting the expectations of readers across the Arab world. (SPA)
The partnership aims to provide high-quality content that respects local culture while meeting the expectations of readers across the Arab world. (SPA)
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Manga Arabia Partners with Japan's Coamix to Translate Popular Works into Arabic 

The partnership aims to provide high-quality content that respects local culture while meeting the expectations of readers across the Arab world. (SPA)
The partnership aims to provide high-quality content that respects local culture while meeting the expectations of readers across the Arab world. (SPA)

Manga Arabia has signed a strategic agreement with Japan’s Coamix Inc. to license and translate two of Japan's most popular manga titles into Arabic.

The partnership aims to provide high-quality content that respects local culture while meeting the expectations of readers across the Arab world.

By bringing global experiences to the region in a culturally resonant language, the initiative enriches Arabic literary content and boosts its international presence.

This collaboration is part of Manga Arabia's broader strategic development plan. The company recently launched its online store, featuring more than 40 titles of original and international works produced by Manga Arabia.

It also introduced a sales network that includes delivery application services, making it the first platform to offer manga volumes through such apps.

Manga Arabia has also announced that its app user base has surpassed 12 million users across more than 195 countries worldwide.

To further strengthen its global presence, the company has launched its international division, Manga International, and established its official headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. This move is designed to expand Manga Arabia's international influence and foster stronger relationships within the Japanese manga industry.