Juliette Binoche and Pedro Almodovar support filmmakers Moghaddam and Sanaeeha, who are set to stand trial in Iran for their film “My Favourite Cake.” Facing serious allegations, the filmmakers have received over 3,200 signatures on a petition calling for the dismissal of all charges against them. The film has gained international recognition despite backlash in Iran for its content.
Juliette Binoche, Pedro Almodovar, and Mohammad Rasoulof have signed a petition supporting filmmakers Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha. Their trial is set to commence in Iran on March 1, due to allegations tied to their film, “My Favourite Cake,” which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2024 and received multiple awards.
Moghaddam and Sanaeeha face serious charges including “propaganda against the regime,” producing and distributing obscene content, and screening their film without the necessary permits. The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR) initiated the petition, urging the Iranian government to drop all charges and restore the filmmakers’ freedom, which has garnered over 3,200 signatures to date.
Prominent individuals, including directors Céline Sciamma and Agnieszka Holland, as well as top festival leaders such as Alberto Barbera of Venice and Tricia Tuttle of Berlin, have added their names to the petition. “My Favourite Cake” is a tragicomedy depicting a 70-year-old woman seeking to break free from her routine by revitalizing her love life, but has faced backlash in Iran for its portrayal of women and alcohol consumption.
The Iranian government has enforced travel bans on both filmmakers for the past two years, preventing them from attending significant events like the Berlin premiere, where their film was shown in competition. The film has been sold to over 40 territories by Totem Films in France, and despite the hardships, it continues to receive global recognition.
The ICFR’s letter emphasizes a collective stance in support of Moghaddam and Sanaeeha, asserting their right to creative expression. It highlights the unjust nature of charges against them and reiterates calls for their immediate release and acknowledgment of their artistic freedoms.
In summary, Juliette Binoche, Pedro Almodovar, and other filmmakers are advocating for the release of Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, who face trial in Iran for their work on “My Favourite Cake.” Accused of multiple charges, the filmmakers have garnered significant international support for their right to artistic freedom. The outcome of their trial and the response from the Iranian authorities remains critical in the context of freedom of expression for artists.
Original Source: www.screendaily.com
