Directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeh have unfortunately been banned from attending the Berlin Film Festival this year, where their film 'My Favourite Cake' is premiering in competition. Despite their absence, actors Lily Farhadpour and Esmail Mehrabi delivered a poignant message from the directors during the film's press conference. A photo of the directors was set up alongside the empty seats, serving as a visual representation of their presence.
In a heartfelt letter, Moghaddam and Sanaeeh expressed their disappointment at being unable to witness the screening of a film they had dedicated three years of their lives to making. They compared their situation to that of parents forbidden from seeing their newborn child. However, they emphasized that they were not alone in their struggle.
The film 'My Favourite Cake' has stirred controversy in Iran due to its portrayal of a woman who does not adhere to the mandatory hijab, the consumption of alcohol, and scenes featuring dancing. According to the directors' letter, their intention was to showcase the true reality of Iranian women, a reality that is often overshadowed by layers of censorship.
For years, Iranian filmmakers have faced the challenge of creating within a complex set of rules and regulations. These restrictions can lead to years of being prohibited from working and even result in legal complications. Despite these obstacles, the directors remained committed to depicting the authentic experiences of Iranian society in their films. However, they believe that adhering to strict rules, such as the mandatory hijab, hinders the representation of Iranian women as true human beings. This conviction led them to 'cross all these restrictive red lines' and accept the consequences of their decision.
Lily Farhadpour, one of the actors in the film, spoke about the reaction of Iranian audiences to the portrayal of women wearing hijabs in unrealistic situations. She mentioned that many people found it comical when a woman goes to bed wearing a hijab or when a mother cannot embrace her son. This laughter stems from the recognition that these portrayals deviate from the true experiences of Iranian women. Farhadpour expressed the desire to showcase the reality as it truly is to the world.
In their concluding statement, Moghaddam and Sanaeeh expressed hope for a future day when they can screen 'My Favourite Cake' in Iran for its people. They view that day as a significant milestone for Iranian cinema and its people but yearn for its arrival sooner rather than later.
The directors have faced further challenges beyond the travel ban. Their passports have been confiscated, and they are currently facing a court trial pertaining to their work as artists and filmmakers. These circumstances are undoubtedly trying, but they demonstrate the resilience and perseverance of Moghaddam and Sanaeeh in pursuing their artistic vision.
'My Favourite Cake' portrays the story of Mahin, a 70-year-old woman who decides to break free from her solitude and rekindle her love life. As she opens herself up to new romantic possibilities, an unexpected encounter unravels, resulting in a memorable evening. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on Friday, marking another significant point in the directors' career.
While Moghaddam and Sanaeeh may not have been present at the festival, their absence was deeply felt, highlighting the challenges that content creators face under oppressive circumstances. Their film serves as a testament to their determination to depict the realities of Iranian society while challenging societal norms. The hope remains that one day, the people of Iran will have the opportunity to experience 'My Favourite Cake' and witness the power of storytelling firsthand.
