My Favourite Cake (Keyke Mahboobe Man) is an Iranian dramatic feature film directed by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha. Starring Lili Farhadpour as Mahin, the story revolves around an elderly woman's struggle with loneliness, the search for belonging, and societal expectations. Esmail Mehrabi plays the role of Faramarz, a character who enters Mahin’s life at a transformative moment. The film delicately critiques societal structures in Iran, particularly focusing on women's pursuit of personal freedom within a traditional framework.
My Favourite Cake (Source: YouTube)
Plot Summary
The narrative centers on Mahin, a seventy-year-old woman living alone in Tehran after the death of her husband. Over time, she grows increasingly isolated, especially as her bond with her daughter weakens. Living a life of routine and solitude, Mahin’s world begins to change when her friends encourage her to rekindle her romantic life. Initially skeptical and uneasy, she gradually embraces the idea, allowing a flicker of hope to grow within her. This journey leads Mahin to take steps toward a fresh start. A chance encounter marks the beginning of a profound transformation—one that alters the course of her life irreversibly.
Direction and Cinematic Approach
Directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha employ a subtle and refined narrative style to present structural critiques of Iranian society. Themes such as the societal invisibility of aging women, the constraints of tradition, and the tension between individual choice and social norms are brought to the forefront. Through the character of Mahin, the filmmakers offer not just a personal story but also a quiet yet powerful reflection on collective memory and the social condition.
Thematic Framework
The film explores themes of loneliness, aging, the quest for freedom, and individual resistance against societal pressures. Mahin’s emotional transformation is shaped by her desire to form a meaningful connection after years of solitude. This change symbolizes her internal rebellion against rigid social conventions. Her yearning to rediscover love clashes with the judgmental views often directed at older individuals, especially women. In this context, Mahin’s search for freedom becomes a personal act of defiance. The film also thoughtfully addresses the emotional and social needs of the elderly, giving voice to often-overlooked perspectives.
Cinematography
The directors adopt a minimalist visual language. The use of space, lighting, and composition functions as symbols of Mahin’s inner world and sense of isolation. The color palette shifts in tandem with Mahin’s emotional state, enhancing the narrative’s psychological depth. Meanwhile, Tehran’s urban landscape provides a contrasting backdrop, highlighting the tension between traditional lifestyles and personal emancipation.
My Favourite Cake (Source: IMDB)
Cast
- Lili Farhadpour – Mahin
- Esmail Mehrabi – Faramarz
Lili Farhadpour delivers a compelling performance that conveys the complexity of Mahin’s internal struggles and emotional evolution. Esmail Mehrabi’s portrayal of Faramarz represents a pivotal moment in Mahin’s journey.
Awards
The film has garnered significant international recognition and won several awards, underscoring its thematic strength and artistic depth.
Berlin International Film Festival (2024)
- Golden Bear – Nominated
- FIPRESCI Prize – Winner
- Ecumenical Jury Prize – Winner
Chicago International Film Festival (2024)
- Silver Hugo – New Directors Competition (Moghaddam & Sanaeeha)
Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival (2024)
- Best International Feature – Winner
Eurimages Co-production Development Award (2022)
- Eurimages Prize – Winner
Valladolid International Film Festival (2024)
- Golden Spike – Nominated
My Favourite Cake (Source: IMDB)
Sociocultural Context
My Favourite Cake critically examines the systematic barriers faced by women in Iran and the societal roles imposed on individuals. Mahin’s story brings attention to the invisibility of older women, highlighting their emotional needs and aspirations for freedom. The film goes beyond a personal narrative to call for a broader reevaluation of societal structures, family dynamics, and the identity of women in contemporary Iran.
