The President’s Cake

While people across 1990s Iraq struggle to survive the war and food shortages, the President requires each school in the country to prepare a cake to celebrate his birthday. Despite her efforts to avoid getting picked, 9-year-old Lamia is chosen among her classmates. The young girl must now use her wits and imagination to gather ingredients and prepare the mandatory cake.

Winner of the Caméra d'Or and the Audience Award at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival's Directors' Fortnight, and Best Narrative Feature at the Hamptons International Film Festival. Also the first Iraqi film to be shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.