The President's Cake (مملكة القصب)
Qumra Projects
Hasan Hadi / Feature Narrative / Iraq, Qatar
In Arabic
Genres: Drama, History
Rated: This film has not been rated.
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Synopsis
It’s “draw day” across Iraq, when schools select students for the honour of bringing items to their mandatory local celebrations of President Saddam Hussein’s birthday. Nine-year-old Lamia lives in the historic marshes with her spirited grandmother, Bibi. Before school, Bibi teaches Lamia clever tricks to avoid being chosen for the president’s cake. However, when Musa, the authoritative teacher, calls Lamia’s name for the most challenging task—the birthday cake—she has no choice but to accept. Refusing could mean imprisonment or even death.
Back home, Lamia finds solace in her beloved pet rooster, Hindi, as she wrestles with the idea of lying. Ultimately, she confesses the truth to Bibi. Together, they prepare an ingredient list and, at dawn, set off for the city with their treasured belongings and Hindi in tow. Upon arrival, Lamia makes a startling discovery about Bibi’s plan. Soon, Lamia finds herself embarking on a quest filled with turbulence, unexpected joys, and heartfelt tears.
About the Director
Hasan Hadi is an Iraqi writer/director and an adjunct professor at NYU's Graduate Film Program. His short ‘Swimsuit’ won an Oscar-qualifying award at Urbanworld and received distribution from HBO Max. Hasan’s recognitions include the Tisch Dean’s Fellowship, the Gotham-Marcie Bloom Fellowship, the Black Family Production Prize, the Sloan Foundation Production Award, and the BAFTA Newcomers Program. He is a 2022 Sundance Institute Screenwriting and Directing Fellow and the recipient of the 2022 Sundance Institute/NHK Award, SFFILM Rainin Grant, and Doha Film Institute Grant for his feature debut, ‘The President's Cake’.
Credits
- Director
- Hasan Hadi
- Screenwriter
- Hasan Hadi
- Producer
- Leah Chen Baker