Screening times:
Saturday, May 2, 6:00 PM

Hasan Hadi | Iraq, USA, Qatar | 2025 | 103m
Arabic with English subtitles

While people across 1990s Iraq struggle to survive the war and food shortages, President Saddam Hussein requires each school in the country to prepare a cake to celebrate his birthday. Despite her clever efforts to avoid getting picked, 9-year-old Lamia is chosen and must somehow gather eggs, flour and sugar in order to appease her bullying teacher. Determined to succeed against all odds, Lena sets off on an adventure through a country facing an uncertain future, accompanied by her school friend Saeed and her rooster Hindi. Along the way, they encounter not only deprivation but also humor, friendship, and hope. Filmed on the streets of Baghdad, the film has been a favorite at festivals worldwide since premiering at Cannes where it won the Camera d’Or.

“The President’s Cake” is notable for its unvarnished, affecting performances; its digitally shot yet eerily film-like cinematography, …for the way it captures daily life in a war zone." - Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com

"That seesawing sensation between uplifting against-the-odds flick and sombre cautionary tale feels of a piece with the uncertainty of life under an uncaring regime." - Graeme Virtue, The Big Issue

“It may contain fairy-tale ingredients, including a risky lottery, a pet cockerel confidante and children on a mission, but The President’s Cake comes iced with the unsweetened reality of life under Saddam Hussein in 1990s Iraq.” - Amber Wilkinson, Screen Daily

WINNER: Camera d'Or - Cannes Film Festival, 2025

Tickets $12 ($11.40 at the door if available)