In a momentous occasion for Iraqi cinema, filmmaker Hasan Hadi met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani following his groundbreaking success at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Hadi’s debut feature film, The President’s Cake, not only marked the first time an Iraqi film was selected for Cannes but also clinched the prestigious Camera d’Or, awarded to the best first feature film, and the Audience Award.
The Making of The President’s Cake
The President’s Cake is a poignant narrative set in the early 1990s during the era of UN sanctions in Iraq. The story follows nine-year-old Lamia, who is tasked by her teacher to bake a birthday cake for President Saddam Hussein. Accompanied by her grandmother, Lamia embarks on a challenging journey through the marshlands to gather the necessary ingredients, highlighting the resilience and determination of the Iraqi people during a time of hardship.
Filmed in the historic marshes of southern Iraq and the bustling streets of Baghdad, the film offers a vivid portrayal of the country’s rich cultural heritage and the indomitable spirit of its citizens. The production received support from the Doha Film Institute and SFFILM Rainin Grant, with executive producers including Marielle Heller, Eric Roth, and Chris Columbus.
🇮🇶 A Historic Meeting: Hadi and PM Al-Sudani
Following the film’s success at Cannes, Prime Minister Al-Sudani extended his congratulations to Hadi during a meeting in Baghdad. The Prime Minister commended the director for bringing global attention to Iraq’s cinematic talents and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the arts as a means of fostering national pride and international recognition.
Al-Sudani remarked, “This accomplishment reflects a significant step forward for Iraqi cinema,” underscoring the importance of cultural achievements in shaping the nation’s image on the world stage. He further assured that the government would continue to support national works that strengthen Iraq’s cultural presence internationally.
Global Recognition and Future Prospects
The accolades received by The President’s Cake have not only elevated Hadi’s status as a filmmaker but have also spotlighted the emerging potential of Iraqi cinema on the global stage. The film’s selection for the Directors’ Fortnight section at Cannes and its subsequent awards have garnered interest from international distributors, signaling a promising future for Iraqi films in global markets.
In an interview, Hadi expressed his optimism for the future of Iraqi cinema, stating, “This proves that our story matters, and if you can tell them well, people around the world will respond positively.” He emphasized the emerging nature of the Iraqi film industry and the responsibility to maintain the high standards set by The President’s Cake.
Significance of the Camera d’Or Award
The Camera d’Or is one of the most prestigious awards at the Cannes Film Festival, recognizing the best first feature film presented in any of the festival’s selections. By winning this award, The President’s Cake has not only made history for Iraq but has also set a benchmark for future filmmakers in the region. The film’s success underscores the universal appeal of compelling storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in global cinema.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Iraqi Cinema
The success of The President’s Cake marks a turning point for Iraqi cinema, highlighting the potential for stories rooted in Iraqi culture and history to resonate with international audiences. With the support of the Iraqi government and the growing interest from global distributors, the future looks promising for filmmakers in Iraq.
As Hadi continues to work on new projects, there is hope that his success will inspire a new generation of Iraqi filmmakers to share their stories with the world, contributing to a richer, more diverse global cinematic landscape.
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