Hasan Hadi, Iraq’s first filmmaker selected for Cannes, won a top prize with his debut film “The President’s Cake.” This film tells a childhood story set during harsh economic sanctions. It marks a new era of film coming from Iraq.
The story follows nine-year-old Lamia. Her teacher chooses her to bake a cake for Saddam Hussein’s birthday. If she fails, she risks being accused of disloyalty. The film is set in the early 1990s when Iraq suffered under strict UN sanctions. Lamia and her grandmother struggle to find the cake ingredients in town.
Hadi dedicated his Camera d’Or award, given to first-time directors, to all children living through war, sanctions, and dictatorship. He called them “the real heroes.”
At Cannes, Hadi shared the stage with Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who won the Palme d’Or for his film “It Was Just an Accident.” That film tells the story of five Iranians confronting a man they believed tortured them.
“The President’s Cake” premiered last week and received rave reviews. Variety called it a “tragicomic gem.” Deadline praised it as “head and shoulders above” other Palme d’Or contenders and said it might be Iraq’s first Oscar nominee.
Meanwhile, Palestinian films also won awards at Cannes. Tawfeek Barhom received recognition for his short film “I’m Glad You’re Dead Now.” During his speech, he mentioned the war in Gaza, urging future visitors to remember those affected by the conflict.
In the parallel section, Gazan twins Arab and Tarzan Nasser won a directing prize for “Once Upon A Time In Gaza.” One brother dedicated the award to Palestinians and recalled his mother urging him to share Gaza’s suffering with the world.
These films highlight a new era of film in the Middle East. They bring powerful stories of hardship and resilience to global audiences, shining a light on voices often unheard.
