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Iraq's 'The President's Cake': A Child's Resilience in War

5/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Iraq's groundbreaking film at Cannes, "The President’s Cake," directed by Hasan Hadi, tells the touching story of 9-year-old Lamia living under Saddam Hussein's oppressive regime in the 1990s. As she undertakes the daunting task of baking a birthday cake for the dictator, Lamia's journey unfolds with a blend of humor and hardship, highlighting her remarkable resilience amidst the chaos of war.

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Story summary

Iraq's groundbreaking film at Cannes, "The President’s Cake," directed by Hasan Hadi, tells the touching story of 9-year-old Lamia living under Saddam Hussein's oppressive regime in the 1990s. As she undertakes the daunting task of baking a birthday cake for the dictator, Lamia's journey unfolds with a blend of humor and hardship, highlighting her remarkable resilience amidst the chaos of war.