The President’s Cake, directed by Hassan Hadi, had its world premiere today at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section. Its absence from the main competition lineup is surprising, given its high caliber. This debut film is a significant and unexpected masterpiece, marking a pivotal moment for Iraqi cinema. Given its impressive quality, it has the potential to become Iraq’s first-ever Oscar-nominated film. This is especially notable as it comes from a country with virtually no film industry and almost no cinema history.
The story is set in 1990s Iraq under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. The narrative is deeply rooted in real-life events and filmed on location in Iraq, providing an authentic portrayal of life during that period. Hadi, who grew up in Iraq during the Gulf War, based the story on his own memories of an event where students were selected to bake a cake for Hussein’s birthday. The film focuses on 9-year-old Lamia (played by Banin Ahmed Nayef) and her journey after she is chosen to bake the cake for the dictator.
Lamia lives in the Mesopotamian marshes with her independent grandmother, Bibi (played by Wahid Tabet Kheribaat), who once taught her how to avoid being selected for such duties. However, despite her grandmother’s teachings, Lamia is chosen, and she cannot refuse this “honor.” Lamia and Bibi travel to the city to gather ingredients for the cake, even though Iraq is experiencing severe food shortages. The country is facing significant hardship, and sugar is nearly nonexistent in Lamia’s hometown. The pair, along with their pet rooster Hindi, venture to the city, where Lamia secretly hopes to visit an amusement park.
However, the situation takes a turn when Lamia discovers that her elderly grandmother can no longer care for her. Bibi uses the journey as an opportunity to send Lamia away. Heartbroken, Lamia runs away from home, embarking on an adventure that will change her and Hindi’s lives forever. As Lamia faces increasing dangers, including a search by the authorities, her distant relative and schoolmate, Saeed (played by Sajjad Mohammad Qasim), joins her in her escape. Together, they attempt to find the ingredients for the cake and evade capture.
Throughout the journey, Lamia and Saeed experience moments of both sorrow and success. The film takes viewers on an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the strength and resilience of its protagonist. However, the story also reflects the harsh reality of Iraq in the midst of war and the oppressive regime. The country is suffering under severe sanctions imposed by the U.S. in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks, and the Bush administration had attempted to shift the blame onto Iraq.
This film is a poignant exploration of life under dictatorship, where the government demands absolute loyalty from its citizens, even in the most mundane acts, like baking a birthday cake for a tyrant. Hadi’s debut feature beautifully captures the human side of this story, making it an essential film for audiences worldwide.
Banin Ahmed Nayef delivers a standout performance as Lamia, capturing the audience’s heart throughout the film. Her portrayal is exceptional, anchoring the entire narrative. Sajjad Mohammad Qasim’s performance is equally impressive, and the supporting cast, including the seasoned Wahid Tabet Kheribaat, adds depth to the story. The cinematography, led by Tudor Vladimir Panduru, is stunning, enhancing the film’s emotional and visual impact.
Hadi’s directorial debut has garnered significant recognition, earning him a spot as a 2022 Sundance Film Festival Lab Fellow, as well as awards from the Sundance/NHK Film Fund, the San Francisco Film Society, the Doha Film Institute, and others. His future in cinema is undoubtedly bright.
Producers Leah Chen Baker, Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth (Forrest Gump), and filmmaker Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood) serve as executive producers, further elevating the film’s prospects for wider recognition.
The President’s Cake is a remarkable film that not only highlights the human experience under an oppressive regime but also offers a powerful glimpse into the emerging world of Iraqi cinema.
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