The President's Cake - LeinwandLounge - Art House Cinema

Iraq / USA / Qatar 2025, 102 min, Arabic with English subtitles
Director: Hasan Hadi
Cast: Baneen Ahmed Nayyef, Waheeda Thabet, Sajad Mohamad Qasem, Muthanna Malaghi

Iraq in the 1990s. While dictator Saddam Hussein celebrates his birthday nationwide despite hardship and scarcity, nine-year-old Lamia draws a dreaded lot at her school: she has to bake the cake for the local celebrations. It is an almost impossible task, as all food supplies are scarce in the country. Eggs, sugar, and flour are especially hard to come by. But she has to succeed; otherwise, her family faces severe punishment.

With only two days to spare, the support of her classmate Saeed, and accompanied by her rooster Hindi, she sets out to gather the ingredients in the next town. It is an adventurous quest through a world full of uncertainty and deprivation, but also small wonders, where Lamia repeatedly experiences moments of humor, friendship, and hope.

"A tragicomic gem and an engaging drama filled with humor." (The Hollywood Reporter)
"An emotional drama that, thanks to a wonderfully performing young actress and a rooster, consistently brings lightness and laughter." (outnow.ch)
"Not only visually and symbolically powerful, but also a universal story that should reach many people." (jugend-filmjury.com)

Distributor: Filmladen Filmverleih