Iraq’s first Cannes filmmaker speaks out, reflecting on childhood, sanctions, and his powerful debut film.
Hasan Hadi, the first filmmaker from Iraq selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, made history this week. His film, The President’s Cake, premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight section and received glowing reviews.
But beyond the red carpet, Hadi had a serious message. “Sanctions empower dictators,” he said, recalling life under Saddam Hussein.
Hadi grew up during the 1990s, when Iraq faced severe United Nations sanctions. These restrictions followed Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. He believes they destroyed lives while doing little to change those in power.
“In all of history, sanctions never stopped a president from eating,” Hadi told AFP. “They only made dictators more brutal.”
His film captures this reality. The President’s Cake follows a young girl named Lamia. She is chosen by her teacher to bake a cake for the president’s birthday. Refusing would mean being labeled disloyal.
Set in Iraq’s southern marshlands, Lamia lives with her grandmother in extreme poverty. Together, they search for ingredients they can’t afford.
Their journey through town shows the deep impact of sanctions. Everyday corruption, scarcity, and suffering fill their path. Lamia even brings her pet cockerel to trade for sugar and eggs.
The film’s tragicomic tone drew praise. Variety called it a “tragicomic gem.” Deadline claimed it was “head and shoulders above” many official entries. Some critics believe it could become Iraq’s first Oscar nominee.
Iraq’s first Cannes filmmaker speaks out with honesty and emotion. His voice adds to global conversations about the real cost of economic pressure.
Hadi shared that he didn’t taste cake until after 2003. That year, the U.S.-led invasion ended Saddam’s rule and lifted sanctions.
Until then, families like his made “date cake” using mashed dates, often without sugar or eggs.
“People were selling their door frames to survive,” he said.
Iraq’s first Cannes filmmaker speaks out, using cinema to confront the past and honor the resilience of his people.
Iraq’s first Cannes filmmaker speaks out—and the world is listening.