Iraqi Film The President's Cake Wins Historic Cannes Caméra d'Or
Hasan Hadi's debut film The President's Cake has made history as the first Iraqi production to win the Caméra d'Or at Cannes. The 2025 award marked a turning point for Iraqi cinema, bringing international attention to a story set in 1990s southern Iraq. The film follows nine-year-old Lamia, played by Baneen Ahmed Nayyef, as she attempts to bake a birthday cake for Saddam Hussein under harsh sanctions.
Hadi drew heavily from his own childhood in southern Iraq during the 1990s to craft the film. He chose to work with non-actors, many of whom couldn't read or write, to capture the raw authenticity of the era. Some scenes even incorporated real objects from the actors' homes, helping them feel at ease and believe in the story they were telling.
The plot centres on Lamia, a young girl tasked with baking a cake for the president despite severe food shortages. Alongside her best friend Saeed and a rooster, she embarks on a difficult search for ingredients. The rooster, far from being just a prop, becomes a symbol of looming danger—its crowing signals when something bad is about to happen.
For Baneen Ahmed Nayyef, the child lead, working with the rooster was natural. Having grown up around chickens, she felt comfortable with the bird, adding to the film's genuine atmosphere. The project's success has since sparked pride across Iraq, as it offers a rare, intimate look at daily life under the regime through the eyes of ordinary people.
Beyond its Cannes victory, The President's Cake earned a place on the Oscar shortlist for Best International Film. Its recognition has cemented Hadi's work as a landmark in Iraqi cinema, giving voice to stories long overlooked on the global stage.
The film's achievements have brought new visibility to Iraqi storytelling. By blending personal memories with untrained actors, Hadi created a deeply human portrait of life under sanctions. Its international acclaim now opens doors for more Iraqi films to reach wider audiences.
