The President's Cake

While people across 1990s Iraq struggle to survive the war and food shortages, Saddam Hussein requires each school in the country to prepare a cake to celebrate his birthday. Despite her efforts to avoid getting picked, 9 year-old Lamia is chosen among her classmates. The young girl must now use her wits and imagination to gather ingredients for the mandatory cake or face the consequences. Winner of the Audience Award at Cannes Festival, The President’s Cake has been shortlisted for Best International Film at the 2026 Oscars (Institute Francais).

We meet in the ground floor foyer of the Institute Francais at 4:15pm for the 4:30pm showing of the film, and will go for a drink in the bar to discuss afterwards.