Support Grows for *My Favourite Cake* Filmmakers Facing Trial in Iran

Juliette Binoche and Pedro Almodovar have signed a petition in support of *My Favourite Cake* filmmakers Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, who are facing trial in Iran. The filmmakers contend with serious allegations, including propaganda and obscenity charges, connected to their award-winning film. The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk has organized a petition calling for the dismissal of these charges, which has attracted significant support from the film community.

Renowned actors Juliette Binoche and Pedro Almodovar, alongside filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, have signed a petition in support of Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, the filmmakers behind the acclaimed feature My Favourite Cake. Their trial is set to commence on March 1 in Iran, where they face serious allegations related to the film’s content and its distribution.

The charges against Moghaddam and Sanaeeha include “propaganda against the regime,” “production and distribution of a film with obscene content,” and “offending public decency and morality.” Additionally, they are accused of screening the film without proper licenses. The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR) has been pivotal in mobilizing support through a petition urging the Iranian authorities to dismiss all charges and reinstate the filmmakers’ freedoms.

As of now, the petition has garnered over 3,200 signatures from notable individuals such as Céline Sciamma, Agnieszka Holland, and several prominent festival organizers. My Favourite Cake, which tells the story of a 70-year-old woman revitalizing her love life, achieved critical acclaim at the Berlin Film Festival, winning prestigious awards despite facing backlash in Iran for its controversial themes.

The Iranian government has imposed travel restrictions on Moghaddam and Sanaeeha for two years, including barring them from their film’s premiere in Berlin, where it was showcased in Competition. Their trial is set in Iran’s Revolutionary Court, raising concerns about artistic freedom and expression.

The ICFR’s letter makes a powerful plea, stating, “We stand uniformly by Maryam & Behtash and their freedom and right to create and to express themselves, just like any filmmaker and artist should be able to.” The film, produced in collaboration with several international entities, has been sold to over 40 territories and continues to provoke discussions about censorship in Iran.

The ongoing legal struggles faced by filmmakers Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha underscore significant concerns regarding censorship and artistic expression in Iran. With notable support from international figures, there is a growing demand for the Iranian government to rescind all charges against them. This situation not only reflects on the filmmakers’ rights but also on broader issues of creative freedom globally.

Original Source: www.screendaily.com