Juliette Binoche, Pedro Almodovar, and others support Iranian filmmakers Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, who face trial tomorrow for their film *My Favourite Cake*. Accused of multiple charges, including obscenity and propaganda against the regime, they have received over 3,200 petition signatures from industry leaders urging for their charges to be dropped.
Notable figures in the film industry, such as Juliette Binoche, Pedro Almodovar, and Mohammad Rasoulof, have formally endorsed a petition backing Iranian filmmakers Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha. Their legal battle is set to commence on March 1, where they face multiple accusations associated with their award-winning film, My Favourite Cake, which was showcased at the Berlin Film Festival in 2024.
The filmmakers have been charged with “propaganda against the regime,” creating films deemed “obscene,” violating public morality, and showing the film without proper licensing. The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR) has initiated a petition urging Iranian authorities to revoke these charges and release the filmmakers unconditionally, gathering over 3,200 signatures from notable personalities across the film industry.
My Favourite Cake is a tragicomedy about a 70-year-old woman revitalizing her love life, and it has stirred controversy in Iran due to its depiction of a woman without a hijab and scenes of alcohol consumption and dancing. Despite receiving acclaim, the film faced significant backlash in Iran, leading to travel restrictions placed on the directors.
The Iranian government has enforced travel bans on Moghaddam and Sanaeeha over the last two years, including preventing them from attending their film’s premiere in Berlin, where it was a competitor for awards. Their upcoming trial at the Revolutionary Court is a critical moment for the filmmakers, who have already faced extensive interrogations.
The film has gained international traction, with France’s Totem Films distributing it to over 40 regions. My Favourite Cake was produced by various international companies, including Filmsazan Javan from Iran, and Curzon released it in the UK and Ireland in September of last year. The ICFR letter calls for the immediate dismissal of all charges against the filmmakers to ensure their rights to freedom of expression remain intact.
The petition in support of filmmakers Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha exemplifies a unified stance against censorship and persecution of artists in Iran. It highlights the international film community’s commitment to advocating for freedom of expression, especially in the face of harsh governmental opposition. Their trial raises critical concerns about artistic liberty and human rights, urging global attention and action.
Original Source: www.screendaily.com
