Iranian Directors Barred from Berlin Film Festival for Breaking Taboos
Two Iranian directors, Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, have been barred from traveling to the Berlin film festival for the premiere of their new movie, “My Favourite Cake.” The reason for their ban is that the film breaks one of Iran’s biggest taboos by showing a woman pursuing a “normal life.” Despite knowing they were taking a risk, the crackdown on their film came as a shock last autumn.
The film tells the bittersweet story of 70-year-old Mahin, a retired nurse played by Lily Farhadpour. Mahin finds a man who catches her fancy after three decades on her own and they reminisce about their more permissive youth before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The film portrays Mahin removing her hijab, drinking alcohol, and dancing – all forbidden activities for women in Iran. Moghaddam and Sanaeeha wanted to depict the reality of life in Iran, even if it meant crossing red lines.
The film’s scenes mark a new direction for Iranian cinema, holding up a mirror to a way of life many still long for. The directors were inspired to finish the film despite the challenging situation in their country, including the case of Mahsa Amini, a young woman whose death sparked anti-government protests. The film addresses themes of women’s rights, freedom, and the desire for a more liberal society.
The love story between Mahin and Faramarz feels revolutionary as they escape the strictures of their conservative society, if only for one night. The film aims to tell a deeper story about life and seizing the moment, despite the risks involved for independent filmmakers in Iran. Moghaddam and Sanaeeha’s previous film, “Ballad of a White Cow,” premiered at the 2021 Berlinale and has since been banned in Iran but is available for download on international platforms.
The Berlin film festival has long supported Iranian directors and has urged authorities to allow Moghaddam and Sanaeeha to travel. In solidarity with the filmmakers, two seats will be left empty for them at the premiere. Actress Lily Farhadpour condemned the Iranian government’s actions, calling it an impossible way of behaving. She highlighted the importance of freedom of expression in art and the challenges faced by filmmakers in Iran.
Despite the obstacles, Moghaddam and Sanaeeha remain committed to sharing their stories with audiences at home and abroad. They believe that with the internet, art cannot be censored completely, and their films will find a way to reach viewers. However, they acknowledge the risks involved in pursuing independent filmmaking in Iran, including potential repercussions on their careers and livelihoods.
“My Favourite Cake” challenges societal norms and sheds light on the struggles faced by women in Iran who simply want to live a normal life. The film serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to provoke thought, inspire change, and push boundaries. Moghaddam and Sanaeeha’s dedication to their craft despite facing adversity is a testament to the resilience and creativity of artists in repressive environments.