The President's Cake (2025)

In 1990s Iraq, it's 'draw day', when schools select students for the honour of bringing items to their mandatory local celebrations of President Saddam Hussein's birthday. Nine-year-old Lamia lives in the historic marshes with her spirited grandmother, Bibi. Before school, Bibi teaches Lamia clever tricks to avoid being chosen for the baking duties. However, when Musa, the authoritative teacher, calls Lamia's name for the most challenging task–the birthday cake–she has no choice but to accept. Refusing could mean imprisonment or even death.

IMDb rating	7.7
Producers	Maiden Voyage Pictures, Spark Features, Working Barn Productions, Missing Piece
Original title	The President's Cake
Directors	Hasan Hadi
Writers	Hasan Hadi

Cast

Banin Ahmad Nayef

as Lamia

Sajad Mohamad Qasem

as Saeed

Waheed Thabet Khreibat

as Bibi

Rahim AlHaj

as Jasim

Muthanna Malaghi

as Muthanna

Ahmad Qasem Saywan

as Musa

Thaer Salem

as Majdi

Fatima Abouharoon

as Rahma

Mohammed Rheimeh

as Izzat

Rokia Alwadi

as Hiyam

Abdelkarim Jasim

as Malik

Maytham Mreidi

as Saeed's Father

Nadia Rashak

as Saeed's Mother

Ali Khalaf

as Clothing Seller

Mahmoud Mazen Lazen

as Bus Driver's Assistant

Aqeel Wadi

as Police Captain's Assistant

Ali Saddam Najem

as Drawing Officer

Mohammad Qasem

as Truck Driver

Raed Harbi Abdeljalil

as Nurse

Elaf Mohamed

as Singer

Ahmed Al-Hayali

as Oud Musician

Al-Hassan Adnan

as Nay Musician

Mohammed Ammar

as Percussionist

Ahmad Hameed Ahmad

as Watch Seller

Haidar Jamal Jaber

as Cake Clerk

Aqeel Al Shamri

as Flour Worker

Tayseer Ibrahim Radi Butche

as Butcher