My Favourite Cake is a 2023 film directed by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha. It follows Mahin, a 70 years old widow, living in Tehran. Mahin tries to find solace in a solitary life filled with a monotonous routine of tending to her garden and watching Korean dramas because her husband has passed away, and her daughter is settled in Europe. But her dull routine takes a turn when she meets a cute taxi driver, Faramarz. This encounter gives her the motivation to break out of her daily drudgery and fall in love again, feeling empowered in the process.
The story takes place in one vibrant busy night and combines lighthearted humor with sociopolitical issues, especially about the position of women in a more orthodox environment. Mahin’s adventurous flirtations and temptation of her desires are portrayed quite endearingly and yet sincerely. The interesting thing worth mentioning is how the film addresses these issues of independence and how to date at an older age, without making the conventional mistakes associated with these kinds of relationship.
Because of its content, depicting a woman’s sexual desire and self-empowerment in Iran, the film has drawn the attention of Iranian authorities, which is quite bared in the film.
For those wondering what more this film has to offer, they can visit the websites of Sight and Sound and the Chicago International Film Festival and read reviews and articles relating to this film here and here.