1990s. International sanctions against Iraq have resulted in soaring prices, food shortages and hardship for most citizens. Despite this, Saddam Hussein declares that every Iraqi must mark his birthday with a cake. Nine-year-old Lamia is selected in a lottery at school for the “honour” of making her class’ cake. Accompanied by her grandmother Bibi and pet rooster Hindi, Lamia must travel from their remote village to the city to source the precious ingredients.

Told from a child’s viewpoint and using largely non-professional actors, Hadi’s impressive first feature uses a simple story that mixes moments of drama and comedy to provide a poignant snap-shot of life under this politically oppressed regime. The President’s Cake is a charming and bitter-sweet crowd-pleaser.1990s. International sanctions against Iraq have resulted in soaring prices, food shortages and hardship for most citizens. Despite this, Saddam Hussein declares that every Iraqi must mark his birthday with a cake. Nine-year-old Lamia is selected in a lottery at school for the “honour” of making her class’ cake. Accompanied by her grandmother Bibi and pet rooster Hindi, Lamia must travel from their remote village to the city to source the precious ingredients.

Told from a child’s viewpoint and using largely non-professional actors, Hadi’s impressive first feature uses a simple story that mixes moments of drama and comedy to provide a poignant snap-shot of life under this politically oppressed regime. The President’s Cake is a charming and bitter-sweet crowd-pleaser.

Director: Hasan Hadi

Cast: Banin Ahmad Nayyef, Sajad Mohamad Qasem, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Rahim AlHaj

105 minutes, Iraq, USA, Qatar 2025, Cert: 12A

In Arabic with English subtitles