Iraqi Director's 'President's Cake' Serves Up Sweet Revenge at Cannes

Olivia Bennett, 5/23/2025Explore the buzz surrounding "The President's Cake," a gripping film by Hasan Hadi that earned the People’s Choice Award at Cannes. With a unique premise involving a birthday cake for Saddam Hussein, this dark comedy promises a blend of political commentary and nostalgia, redefining festival cinema.

Darlings, when a film about baking a birthday cake for Saddam Hussein becomes the talk of the festival circuit, you know we're in for something special. This isn't just another serving of standard festival fare — it's a masterclass in turning childhood memories into edge-of-your-seat cinema that's got everyone from jaded critics to seasoned festival-goers reaching for their metaphorical chef's hats.

The premise sounds like something cooked up in a fever dream: nine-year-old Lamia must deliver a birthday cake to Iraq's most feared man or face consequences that would make any Hollywood villain blush. Yet in Hadi's capable hands, this slice of 1990s Iraq transforms into something altogether more profound. (And speaking of transformations, whoever thought sanctions and sugar could make such a compelling combination?)

Pete Hammond — yes, that Pete Hammond, whose praise is about as rare as a quiet night during awards season — practically swooned over this "true gem and real discovery." When Pete gets this excited about a film, it's like spotting Meryl Streep at your local coffee shop — you stop and pay attention.

The €7,500 prize money might seem modest by Hollywood standards (that's barely enough to cover the craft services budget for your average superhero film), but the prestige? Darling, that's priceless. This is, after all, the only audience-voted award across all of Cannes' sections, carrying the weight of Chantal Akerman's legacy. Talk about pressure!

Meanwhile, over in the European corner, "Wild Foxes" by Belgian filmmaker Valéry Carnoy proved itself quite the overachiever — much like that one friend who always shows up to the party with both the perfect bottle of wine AND a homemade dessert. The film waltzed away with both the Europa Cinemas Label and the SACD's Coup de Coeur prize, serving up what the jury called an exceptional take on "young male friendship and fragility."

Word is, the lead actor's giving off serious James Dean vibes — and honestly, when was the last time anyone managed that without looking like they were trying too hard? The jury's swooning description of "a body at work, a heart that blossoms" reads like poetry... or perhaps the back cover of a particularly ambitious romance novel.

With Films Boutique handling international sales and UTA managing North American rights for "The President's Cake," expect to see this Iraqi sensation making its way to screens near you soon. In an industry currently obsessed with AI blockbusters and recycled franchises (looking at you, superhero movie number 47 of 2025), it's refreshing to see substance rising to the top — even if it comes in the form of a potentially lethal birthday cake.

Move over, Hollywood blockbusters — the toast of Cannes this season comes served with a side of political bite and a generous helping of Iraqi charm. "The President's Cake," a deliciously dark debut from New York-based filmmaker Hasan Hadi, just snagged the People's Choice Award at Directors' Fortnight, proving that sometimes the most compelling stories arrive without the usual helping of special effects and A-list names.Darlings, when a film about baking a birthday cake for Saddam Hussein becomes the talk of the festival circuit, you know we're in for something special. This isn't just another serving of standard festival fare — it's a masterclass in turning childhood memories into edge-of-your-seat cinema that's got everyone from jaded critics to seasoned festival-goers reaching for their metaphorical chef's hats.The premise sounds like something cooked up in a fever dream: nine-year-old Lamia must deliver a birthday cake to Iraq's most feared man or face consequences that would make any Hollywood villain blush. Yet in Hadi's capable hands, this slice of 1990s Iraq transforms into something altogether more profound. (And speaking of transformations, whoever thought sanctions and sugar could make such a compelling combination?)Pete Hammond — yes, that Pete Hammond, whose praise is about as rare as a quiet night during awards season — practically swooned over this "true gem and real discovery." When Pete gets this excited about a film, it's like spotting Meryl Streep at your local coffee shop — you stop and pay attention.The €7,500 prize money might seem modest by Hollywood standards (that's barely enough to cover the craft services budget for your average superhero film), but the prestige? Darling, that's priceless. This is, after all, the only audience-voted award across all of Cannes' sections, carrying the weight of Chantal Akerman's legacy. Talk about pressure!Meanwhile, over in the European corner, "Wild Foxes" by Belgian filmmaker Valéry Carnoy proved itself quite the overachiever — much like that one friend who always shows up to the party with both the perfect bottle of wine AND a homemade dessert. The film waltzed away with both the Europa Cinemas Label and the SACD's Coup de Coeur prize, serving up what the jury called an exceptional take on "young male friendship and fragility."Word is, the lead actor's giving off serious James Dean vibes — and honestly, when was the last time anyone managed that without looking like they were trying too hard? The jury's swooning description of "a body at work, a heart that blossoms" reads like poetry... or perhaps the back cover of a particularly ambitious romance novel.With Films Boutique handling international sales and UTA managing North American rights for "The President's Cake," expect to see this Iraqi sensation making its way to screens near you soon. In an industry currently obsessed with AI blockbusters and recycled franchises (looking at you, superhero movie number 47 of 2025), it's refreshing to see substance rising to the top — even if it comes in the form of a potentially lethal birthday cake.