“My Favorite Cake”: A Bold Iranian Film Born Amidst Revolution
In September 2022, the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained for a ”badly adjusted” veil, sparked the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran.Amidst this turmoil, filmmakers Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash sanaeeha were quietly working on their latest project, My Favorite Cake, in Tehran—without official authorization. The uprising quickly disrupted their plans.
“Some members of our team were on the street to demonstrate, others were arrested and imprisoned,” recalls Behtash Sanaeeha, speaking by phone from Tehran. Despite the challenges, the filmmakers were resolute to complete the film. “We had to finish this film, it was our support for the movement,” adds Maryam Moghaddam.
My Favorite Cake tells the story of a 70-year-old woman living alone in tehran who decides to rediscover love—a bold and taboo subject in a society where even the most ordinary aspects of life are scrutinized. The film,which premiered at the 74th Berlinale in Febuary 2024,dares to depict women without veils,scenes of dancing,alcohol consumption,and candid discussions about religion and politics.The project,conceived two years before Mahsa Amini’s death,was already a challenge to societal norms. “We had written this script long before the uprising, but the desire to break the hypocrisy was already there,” explains Sanaeeha. Moghaddam adds, “Iranian films show women who sleep and wake up veiled. We were ashamed to perpetuate this lie.”
The film’s production was a testament to resilience. Each interruption in filming served as a reminder of the filmmakers’ commitment to their craft and their cause. Their determination paid off when My Favorite Cake became a Berlin prize winner, earning international acclaim for its poignant storytelling and unflinching portrayal of life in Iran.
| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Directors | Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha |
| Premiere | 74th Berlinale, February 2024 |
| Plot | A 70-year-old woman in Tehran rediscovers love |
| Themes | Love, freedom, societal hypocrisy |
| Challenges | Filmed without authorization amidst political unrest |
The film’s success is a testament to the power of art in times of upheaval.As Moghaddam and Sanaeeha continue to push boundaries,My Favorite Cake stands as a symbol of resistance and hope,offering a fresh viewpoint on life in Iran.
For more on the filmmakers’ previous work, explore their acclaimed film Pardon (2020), which also tackled complex societal issues.
My Favorite Cake is not just a film—it’s a statement. A reminder that even in the face of adversity, creativity and courage can shine through.
Exploring “My Favorite Cake”: A Bold Iranian Film Born Amidst Revolution
Table of Contents
In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Johnson, sits down with Dr. Parisa Azadi, a renowned expert on Iranian cinema and cultural studies, to discuss the groundbreaking film My Favorite Cake. Directed by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha,the film emerged during the tumultuous “Women,Life,Freedom” movement in Iran,offering a powerful narrative on love,freedom,and societal hypocrisy.
The Genesis of “My Favorite Cake”
Sarah Johnson: Dr. Azadi, can you tell us about the origins of My Favorite Cake and how it came to be amidst the political unrest in Iran?
Parisa Azadi: Absolutely, Sarah. My Favorite Cake was conceived two years before the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, which ignited the “Women, Life, freedom” movement. Directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha had already been working on a script that challenged societal norms. The film tells the story of a 70-year-old woman in Tehran rediscovering love, a bold and taboo subject in a society where even the most ordinary aspects of life are scrutinized. Despite the uprising disrupting their plans, the filmmakers were resolute in finishing the film as a form of support for the movement.
Filming Amidst Adversity
Sarah Johnson: The production faced important challenges due to the political climate. Can you elaborate on how the filmmakers navigated these obstacles?
Parisa Azadi: The filmmakers worked without official authorization,which added immense pressure. Some team members were arrested and imprisoned, while others joined the demonstrations.Each interruption in filming served as a reminder of their commitment to both their craft and their cause. Despite these hurdles, Moghaddam and Sanaeeha remained steadfast. Their determination paid off when the film premiered at the 74th Berlinale in February 2024, earning international acclaim.
Sarah Johnson: My Favorite Cake delves into themes of love,freedom,and societal hypocrisy. How dose the film address these issues?
Parisa Azadi: The film daringly depicts women without veils, scenes of dancing, alcohol consumption, and candid discussions about religion and politics. These elements challenge the societal norms and hypocrisies prevalent in Iran. As Moghaddam stated, they were ashamed of perpetuating the lie that Iranian women sleep and wake up veiled. The film’s narrative and visual storytelling offer a fresh and unflinching portrayal of life in Iran, resonating deeply with audiences both locally and internationally.
Reception and Impact
Sarah Johnson: The film has received widespread acclaim. What do you think its success signifies in the broader context of Iranian cinema and society?
parisa Azadi: The success of My favorite Cake is a testament to the power of art in times of upheaval. It stands as a symbol of resistance and hope, offering a new perspective on life in Iran. The film’s international recognition not only highlights the talent and courage of its creators but also underscores the importance of storytelling as a tool for social change. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, creativity and courage can shine through.
Conclusion
In this insightful conversation with Dr. Parisa Azadi, we’ve explored the origins, challenges, and profound impact of My Favorite Cake.The film’s bold narrative and the filmmakers’ unwavering determination serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art in challenging societal norms and advocating for freedom and equality.
