Prominent filmmakers such as Juliette Binoche, Pedro Almodóvar, and Mohammad Rasoulof have joined the campaign supporting Maryam Maqdami and Behtash Sanaeiha, the creators of the film 'My Favorite Cake'. These filmmakers, along with over 3,000 others, emphasized the necessity for the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions and the removal of all accusations made by the Islamic Republic against these two Iranian filmmakers through a signed petition. In the petition, cinema professionals criticized the 'months of interrogation and two years of travel bans' imposed on Maqdami and Sanaeiha due to the making of 'My Favorite Cake', condemning the court's classification of these directors with false titles such as 'vulgar', 'against public morals', 'propaganda against the regime', and 'illegal screening without a permit'. Maryam Maqdami and Behtash Sanaeiha have faced severe pressures from the Islamic Republic since 2023 for making this film without adhering to mandatory hijab regulations in Iranian cinema, as well as for alcohol consumption, music, and dance, and for its screening and success at the 2024 Berlin Festival. For the past two years, Maqdami and Sanaeiha have been subjected to a travel ban and were also denied attendance at the Berlin Film Festival. The two directors are scheduled to appear in the Revolutionary Court on Saturday, March 2. Hundreds of renowned filmmakers have expressed solidarity with the creators of 'My Favorite Cake'. One critic stated: the goal of the Islamic Republic is to suppress independent, non-governmental cinema. The creators of 'My Favorite Cake' are being tried in the Revolutionary Court. The Iranian Film Festival in Boston features works by Rasoulof, Beyzai, and Parviz Sayad. Two films disfavored by the Islamic Republic were selected as 'Best Film of the Year' by Euronews. 'My Favorite Cake' was named the second-best film of the year by Guardian critics. IFMA has requested the Academy Awards to pay attention to independent Iranian cinema.
Widespread Support from Filmmakers for the Creators of 'My Favorite Cake'
Prominent filmmakers have rallied to support Maryam Maqdami and Behtash Sanaeiha, creators of 'My Favorite Cake', who face severe legal repercussions from the Iranian government. Over 3,000 filmmakers have signed a petition demanding the lifting of all restrictions against them. This situation highlights the ongoing repression of independent cinema in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Prominent filmmakers have signed a petition supporting Maryam Maqdami and Behtash Sanaeiha, who are facing legal challenges from the Iranian government due to their film 'My Favorite Cake'. The petition calls for the lifting of restrictions and condemnation of the government's actions against them.
- Over 3,000 filmmakers signed a petition demanding the lifting of restrictions on Maqdami and Sanaeiha.
- The creators are facing charges related to cultural violations, including the mandatory hijab regulations.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iranian cinema has a rich history but faces significant challenges due to government censorship and cultural restrictions. Independent filmmakers often risk persecution for their work.
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