A spirited 70-year-old woman named Mahin seeks to reignite her romantic life in Tehran, leading to an enchanting evening with a taxi driver, Faramarz. The film, My Favorite Cake, directed by Maryam Moqadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, explores the theme of late-life romance against Iran’s strict societal norms. Despite its heartfelt narrative, the film faced harsh criticism from authorities, resulting in the directors’ arrest. Support for their release has surged, with a petition gaining significant signatures ahead of their upcoming court hearing.
A Beautiful Tribute to Love and Freedom
Meet Mahin (Lili Farhadpour), a spirited 70-year-old woman living alone in Tehran. Undeterred by societal constraints, she embarks on a journey to rediscover her romantic life, leading her to an enchanting encounter with Faramarz (Esmaeel Mehrabi), a taxi driver. Their shared evening promises to be nothing short of unforgettable.
Following their critically acclaimed film The Forgiveness, which highlighted crucial political themes and premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, directors Maryam Moqadam and Behtash Sanaeeha have unveiled their latest masterpiece, My Favorite Cake.
Starring the remarkable Lily Farhadpour—an actress, writer, and journalist renowned for her advocacy of freedom, particularly for women—the film unfolds as a poignant and contemporary fable. It addresses a rarely discussed theme: the possibility of romance in later life. This topic is especially sensitive in Iran, where the Islamic Republic’s laws strictly forbid intimate relationships outside of marriage.
With its subtle yet impactful storytelling, My Favorite Cake blends humor, warmth, and nostalgia, celebrating love that transcends societal norms. The budding relationship between Mahin and Faramarz is conveyed through gentle glances and tender smiles, evoking nostalgia for past romances and a deep yearning for connection among viewers of all ages.
Consequences for the Directors
Despite its heartfelt message and universal themes, My Favorite Cake has drawn the ire of the Iranian authorities. Labeled as “vulgar” and accused of promoting immoral behavior, the film faced severe backlash, leading to the arrest of its directors, Maryam Moqadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, in September 2023. They were apprehended while preparing to showcase their work in Europe, particularly at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Currently barred from practicing their craft or leaving Iran, Moqadam and Sanaeeha penned a poignant letter detailing their plight and received widespread support from their peers. “Today, the film to which we have devoted three years of our lives will see the light of day alongside you, unfortunately in our absence,” they expressed following their arrest. “Like parents who are forbidden to lay eyes on their newborn, we have been denied the pleasure of watching our film with you.” They further emphasized, “We are proud to dedicate the premiere of our film to the worthy and courageous women of our country who have taken the front line in the struggle for social change.”
Ongoing Challenges for the Filmmakers
After enduring two years of scrutiny, oppression, and travel restrictions, the circumstances surrounding Maryam Moqadam and Behtash Sanaeeha remain unchanged. The situation may take a turn for the worse as they approach their first court hearing on March 1.
In a show of solidarity, Arizona, the film’s distributor in France, along with The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR), has initiated an online petition advocating for the filmmakers’ release. This petition has garnered support from prominent figures, including Virginie Efira, Pedro Almodovar, Dominik Moll, and Sandrine Bonnaire, and has amassed over 2,000 signatures as of February 25, 2025, just days before the crucial hearing.
To lend your voice to the cause and support Maryam Moqadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, consider signing this petition for free.
My Favorite Cake, the latest release from Maryam Moqadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, is now screening in theaters.