Overview

• Iranian directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha have been banned from traveling and had their passports confiscated by Iranian authorities, preventing them from attending the Berlin Film Festival.
• Their film, 'My Favourite Cake', is set to compete in the festival's competition.
• The directors are also facing a court trial in Iran connected to their work as artists and filmmakers.
• The Berlin Film Festival has issued a statement calling for the Iranian authorities to lift the travel ban and return the directors' passports.
• Moghaddam and Sanaeeha have previously had their work showcased at the Berlinale, with their film 'Ballad of a White Cow' screening in competition in 2021.