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The President's Cake (12A)

— ,Cinemas
A young girl holding a rooster

In Hasan Hadi’s debut, a young girl is faced with the challenge of baking a cake for her school’s celebration of Saddam Hussein’s birthday.

In 1990s Iraq, despite people's struggle to survive the war and food shortages, the President requires each school in the country to prepare a cake to celebrate his birthday.

Nine-year-old Lamia is chosen among her class despite her reluctance, and must scramble to find ingredients for this compulsory task that will potentially land her punishment if she fails.

This Cannes Camera d’Or-winning fable is a timely and bittersweet tale of life under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, as seen through the eyes of a child.

Tagged with: Cinema Magic Mondays New releases

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Film information
  • Release year   2026
  • Country of origin   Iraq, Qatar, USA
  • Director   Hasan Hadi
  • Runtime   1hr 45mins

Cinemas

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.