'My Favourite Cake' received support from the Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund and underwent development, in part, at the 2020 Berlinale co-production market, where it earned the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award.
The Berlin International Film Festival, known as Berlinale, has issued a statement, urging Iranian authorities to permit the travel of directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha to this year’s festival, where their film My Favourite Cake is set to premiere in competition starting on February 15, 2024.
In a surprising turn of events, Iranian authorities have reportedly banned Moghaddam and Sanaeeha from travelling and confiscated their passports, as disclosed by the Berlinale. Additionally, the directing duo is said to be facing a court trial “in relation to their work as artists and filmmakers.”
The pair discovered they were subject to a travel ban at Tehran airport at the end of September after their passports were confiscated as they went to catch a flight to Paris to work on post-production of My Favourite Cake.
My Favourite Cake revolves around the story of 70-year-old Mahin, living a solitary life until she decides to break her routine, revitalising her love life. The film’s plot description reveals that as she opens up to romance, an unexpected encounter quickly evolves into an unforgettable evening.
Berlinale has released a banner in support of the filmmakers which said: “Call for Freedom Of Movement, Freedom Of Expression for Competition Directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha.”
Expressing deep concern, the festival emphasised its commitment to freedom of speech, expression, and the arts for people worldwide. A press release from the Berlinale stated: “The festival is shocked and dismayed to learn that Moghaddam and Sanaeeha could be prevented from travelling to the festival to present their film and meet their audience in Berlin.”
Directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariëtte Rissenbeek added: “We call for the Iranian authorities to return the passports and to end all restrictions preventing Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha from freely travelling to Berlin this February, together with the other international directors and filmmaking talents from around the world, so they can present their new film My Favourite Cake as part of the Berlinale’s 2024 Competition.”
The directing duo had previously participated in the Berlinale in 2021 with their film Ballad of a White Cow.
