Iranian filmmakers Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha face legal charges in Iran regarding their film “My Favourite Cake,” which explores women’s rights in Tehran. They are supported by the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk and have garnered backing from notable industry figures. As they approach trial on March 1, their case exemplifies the challenges faced by artists under oppressive regimes.
The international film community is protesting against the summons of Iranian directors Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha to court in Iran, connected to their film “My Favourite Cake,” which is set to be featured at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival. The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR) has expressed robust support for them as they await trial on March 1, facing charges linked to the film’s production and distribution.
The film tackles the theme of a woman in Tehran rediscovering her desires amidst stringent restrictions on women’s rights. Following the initial raid on the film’s editor’s office in 2023, Moghadam and Sanaeeha have faced constant government scrutiny. This pressure has imposed a travel ban, preventing them from attending their film’s premiere at the Berlinale.
The ICFR has initiated a petition gaining traction within the film community, amassing over 2,200 signatures, including notable figures such as Pedro Almodóvar, Juliette Binoche, and institutions like Berlinale and the Venice Film Festival. At the Berlinale, the directors stated their experiences of the difficulties in portraying an Iranian woman under strict regulations concerning the mandatory hijab that hinder authentic storytelling.
Following numerous interrogations at the Evin Security Prosecutor’s Office, Moghadam and Sanaeeha are facing various allegations, including “propaganda against the regime” and “screening the film without a license.” They challenge the restrictions on representations of Iranian women by choosing to break the red lines imposed by government regulations.
The summoning of directors Moghadam and Sanaeeha by Iranian authorities has sparked global outrage among filmmakers. Their film “My Favourite Cake” addresses significant themes about women’s rights in Iran, leading to their current legal troubles. Support from the international film community highlights the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in oppressive environments. As they prepare for trial, the situation underscores the importance of advocating for filmmakers at risk globally.
Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com
