The President's Cake (2026) on Netflix
In 1990s Iraq, nine-year-old Lamia is chosen to bake a cake for the President's birthday. She hunts the city for flour, eggs and sugar with her grandmother Bibi and her friend Saeed.
- Netflix4.4/5
- IMDb7.5/104,829 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes99%
Trailer
Plot summary
In 1990s Iraq, under sanctions and American bombardments, nine-year-old Lamia lives in a marsh village of the Mesopotamian Marshes, sharing a home with her grandmother Bibi and a cockerel named Hindi. At school, lots decide the children's duties, and Lamia is told to bake a cake for the President's birthday, while her friend Saeed is to bring fresh fruit. The teacher warns that those who disobey will be reported and their families punished. Goods are scarce and costly, so Bibi writes out what the cake needs, and the two hitch a ride toward a nearby city with Jasim, who carries mail for government officials, taking along items to barter, among them Lamia's father's watch.
Cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about The President's Cake (2026)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- The President's Cake became the first film from Iraq to compete in Cannes' Directors' Fortnight, and took the section's top prize, the Audience Award, which is the only Cannes Film Festival award decided by attending audiences.
