My Favourite Cake – Pleasure as Resistance
Written by Zoe Crombie
In an age where a seemingly never-ending stream of visual media is available to us from all around the world, it can be easy to take for granted the process of not just making a film, but putting it out into the world. Though it’s tricky enough to have your work seen in countries like the UK and the US, it becomes all the more difficult when your film contains elements deemed unacceptable by your own country’s government. This is a challenge that the brilliant My Favourite Cake faced before – somewhat miraculously – appearing onscreen at the Dukes after a battle with Iranian security forces.
An international co-production between Iran, France, Sweden and Germany from co-directing duo Maryam Moqadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, My Favourite Cake follows 70-year-old Mahin, a widow living a dull existence in Tehran. With the help of a new friend, she’s able to bring some light back into her life, proving herself worthy of joy as a member of society usually left on the sidelines. A simple story elevated by wonderful central performances and deft cinematography, it’s a real slice of life gem formed under the pressure of a restrictive regime.
A sweet story of rediscovering life’s pleasures and a poignant statement against patriarchal standards, My Favourite Cake is a film as sweet as its title that packs a fantastic bite.
Catch My Favourite Cake at the Dukes between 20th - 24th October
