Films Boutique has secured global distribution rights for "Sense of Water," a poignant new short film from celebrated Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof. This acquisition is particularly significant as it represents Rasoulof's initial cinematic endeavor since his flight from Iran in May 2024, a period marked by his evasion of a harsh sentence involving imprisonment and corporal punishment imposed by Iranian authorities. The film delves into the profound emotional complexities of exile, portraying a narrative that deeply resonates with the director's personal experiences.
Award-Winning Director's Newest Work Explores Exile and Loss
In January 2026, the global film distribution company Films Boutique, based in Berlin and Lyon, officially announced its acquisition of Mohammad Rasoulof's latest short film, "Sense of Water." This 39-minute cinematic piece is poised for its world premiere at the esteemed International Film Festival Rotterdam. The narrative centers around an Iranian writer, living in involuntary exile, who retreats to a secluded glass cabin in the far northern regions of the world with his former lover, Nazanin. Despite facing the daunting prospect of a lengthy prison sentence back home, the protagonist, Ali, makes the resolute decision to return to Iran, driven by an unwavering commitment to continue the struggle he had reluctantly left behind. Rasoulof, who personally penned and directed the film, revealed that his own experiences in exile provided the profound inspiration for the story. He articulated how exile not only represents a geographical separation from one's homeland but also creates a disjunction between language and emotional expression, between words and deeply felt experiences. This project follows his critically acclaimed "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," which was honored with the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The film's production was a collaborative effort involving Amin Sadraei, Rozita Hendijanian, and Mani Tilgner under the banner of Hamburg’s Run Way Pictures, with crucial support from the Displacement Film Fund, the Hubert Bals Fund, and the Moin Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein. The film's themes are particularly timely, echoing the tragic events of recent years in Rasoulof’s homeland.
This film serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of artistic expression in the face of adversity. Rasoulof's decision to continue creating, even while grappling with personal hardship and political persecution, underscores the vital role that cinema plays in reflecting and commenting on the human condition. "Sense of Water" is not merely a film; it is a profound commentary on the human cost of political suppression, the isolating experience of exile, and the unwavering resolve of individuals who choose to confront injustice, even at great personal risk. It reminds us of the profound connection between language, emotion, and identity, and how displacement can fracture these fundamental aspects of self. The film's timely release, amidst ongoing global dialogues about freedom and human rights, reinforces the power of art to provoke thought, foster empathy, and inspire action.