Wed Feb 05 07:01:51 UTC 2025: ## Iranian Filmmakers Face Crackdown After International Success of “My Favourite Cake”
**Berlin, Germany** – The acclaimed Iranian romantic drama, “My Favourite Cake,” is facing a backlash from Iranian authorities despite its international success. The film, which portrays an elderly couple escaping loneliness, has garnered praise on the festival circuit and secured releases in over a dozen countries. However, its directors, Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, are now facing charges of “propaganda against the regime,” “spreading libertinism and prostitution,” and violating Islamic law.
The Tehran-based filmmakers report intimidation and pressure from authorities to halt the film’s international distribution. Following a raid on their office by Revolutionary Guards in 2023, they and the film’s actors are now on trial. The charges stem from the film’s intimate portrayal of everyday life, subtly challenging Iran’s strict censorship laws. The directors acknowledged the risks involved, stating they anticipated repercussions from the start.
“My Favourite Cake” depicts a couple reflecting on life before the social restrictions imposed after the 1979 revolution, touching on sensitive issues for the Iranian regime. This incident follows a pattern of pressure on Iranian filmmakers, with acclaimed directors like Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof facing similar challenges, the latter having fled the country last year. Despite the legal threats, the film continues to gain international recognition, highlighting the ongoing tension between artistic expression and political repression in Iran.
First Piper 