The President's Cake - Expat Cinema Rotterdam

Along the way, Lamia encounters a colorful yet often heartbreaking cast of characters: her classmate Saeed, a boy with a rebellious spirit and a gentle heart; a greedy teacher who claims every delicacy for himself; and a postman who becomes genuinely excited by their mission. At the same time, Saddam’s constant presence—on posters, in parades, and throughout public life—forms a menacing backdrop to the childlike world Lamia is trying to navigate.

Director Hasan Hadi, who himself grew up under Hussein’s regime, crafts a story that reaches far beyond the cake itself. Blending poetic realism with moments of charm, absurdity, and quiet menace, the film offers a deeply moving portrait of resilience, childhood ingenuity, and survival under authoritarian rule. Featuring a largely non-professional cast, including the remarkable Baneen Ahmad Nayyef as Lamia, and cinematography that captures both the beauty and danger of everyday life, The President’s Cake is a tender and powerful cinematic experience.