In 1990s Iraq, 9-year-old Lamia is forced by a school draw to bake a lavish birthday cake for dictator Saddam Hussein. Facing extreme poverty and severe food shortages, she must navigate the dangerous streets of Baghdad to track down rare ingredients, accompanied by her best friend and her beloved pet rooster. A simple baking task turns into a life-or-death mission as her family will face brutal punishment if the cake doesn't come up to scratch, an ordeal that The film portrays the quiet resilience of a few brave citizens trapped in a ruthless regime, but also highlights many who are all too ready to steal and betray to protect their own interests.

The President’s Cake is a wonderfully witty, sharp, dark-edged fable that manages to be both hugely entertaining and surprisingly heartwarming. It spins an utterly absurd situation into a fast-paced, funny ride filled with vibrant characters, clever humour, and a lot of heart. Light on its feet yet full of spirit, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Country: Iraq

Cert (UK): 12A

Runtime: 1 hr 45

Genre: Drama

Language: Arabic

Original Title: Mamlaket al-qasab

Director: Hasan Hadi

Cast: Tommaso Ragno, Roberta Rovelli, Martina Scrinzi

​